"La liberté, lorsqu'elle commence à prendre racine, est une plante à croissance rapide."

When freedom really starts to settle in, it expands quickly and dramatically. That's the heart of the quote you're asking about. Imagine a tiny seedling. At first, it’s small and seems fragile, but once it’s established, it grows into a lush, sturdy plant. Liberty works the same way. Once people get a taste of genuine freedom, the desire for more freedom naturally intensifies, and it spreads.

To understand why this was said, let's go back to its origins. This metaphor about liberty comes from George Washington, the first President of the United States. He was talking about the early stages of American independence. After the American colonies broke free from British rule in the late 18th century, the concept of liberty was still new. Washington knew that if the idea of freedom took hold, it would flourish rapidly and influence generations to come. He was right, as the notion of liberty has profoundly shaped not just the U.S., but many parts of the world.

Think about the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Before the wall came down, East Germans lived under a repressive regime with limited personal freedoms. But once the wall fell and people experienced freedom, the change was quick and unstoppable. East Germans eagerly embraced democracy, free speech, and the ability to travel. The appetite for freedom spread like wildfire, ultimately leading to the reunification of Germany.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. If there’s an area where you feel constrained—whether it’s at work, in a relationship, or even within your own habits—make a small change to introduce more freedom. It’s like planting that seedling. As you start to experience the benefits, you’ll naturally want more. Maybe you start by setting boundaries at work to protect your personal time. When you see how much better you feel, you might take it further by advocating for flexible working hours or even pursuing a job that offers more autonomy.

Let’s bring this to life with a story. Picture Sarah, a young graphic designer who feels creatively stifled at her corporate job. She decides to take on a small freelance project on the side. That’s her seedling. She discovers how liberating it is to have creative control and to choose projects she's passionate about. Her excitement grows. She takes on more freelance work, and within a year, she’s built up enough momentum to leave her corporate job and be her own boss. That initial taste of freedom led to rapid growth in her professional life and personal happiness.

In essence, once you allow a bit of freedom into any part of your life, it has the potential to expand quickly and transform your entire existence. The key is to start—plant that first seed and watch it grow. It’s a journey worth taking, and, as history and personal stories show us, the results can be remarkable.