"Rien n'était à vous sauf les quelques centimètres cubes à l'intérieur de votre crâne"
— George Orwell
Simplified Meaning:
The quote means that the only thing you truly have control over is your mind and thoughts. Everything else in the world, like your possessions, your job, or even your physical body, can be taken away or influenced by others. Your inner thoughts and personal space in your mind are private and cannot be taken from you unless you allow it. Think about a time when someone tried to tell you what to think or believe. They might control many things about your life, but they can't force you to change what’s inside your head unless you choose to. For example, during historical regimes, even when people's freedoms were limited, many individuals still held on to their personal beliefs and thoughts, keeping their true selves untouched. To apply this idea, focus on nurturing your inner thoughts and keeping them positive. When external situations are tough or beyond your control, remember that your mind is a safe place where you can find strength and refuge. It's like having a small, secure space that's always yours, no matter what happens around you.