"آزادی آن چیزی است که با آنچه به تو انجام شده انجام می‌دهی"

At its core, this quote is about taking control of your destiny despite the circumstances or challenges you've faced. It's about making choices and taking actions that reflect your true self, rather than letting past experiences dictate your future.

Think about the historical context. Jean-Paul Sartre, a French philosopher, said this during the mid-20th century—a time of great upheaval and change. The world had just witnessed the horrors of World War II, and existential questions about human freedom and purpose were at the forefront of many minds. Sartre himself was influenced by the war and the resistance against oppression, which likely shaped his views on freedom and individual responsibility.

Imagine you're a young person who grew up in a tough neighborhood. Maybe you didn't have the best role models, and life threw some pretty hard punches your way. You could resign yourself to thinking, "This is just the way things are; I can't change my fate." But Sartre's idea flips this on its head. It says, "You've got the power to decide how you respond to your past."

Let’s look at a real-life example. Oprah Winfrey is someone who embodies this philosophy. She grew up in poverty, faced abuse, and struggled with numerous hardships. But instead of letting these experiences define her, she chose to rise above them. Oprah transformed her pain into power, building an incredibly successful career and using her platform to inspire millions. She didn't just accept what life handed her; she turned it into something meaningful.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by acknowledging your past—don’t bury it, but don’t let it control you either. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped you, then decide what you want to do with that knowledge. Maybe you’ve faced rejection or failure; use that as fuel to push harder toward your goals. Have courage to make choices that reflect your true desires and values, not those imposed by past circumstances.

Here’s a more relatable scenario: suppose you're at a coffee shop with a friend, and you’re venting about a recent setback at work. You didn’t get the promotion you were hoping for, and it feels like all your hard work has been for nothing. Your friend listens, then gently reminds you of this wisdom. They're saying you have a choice now. You can let this setback define your career, make you bitter, and hold you back. Or you can see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and maybe even find a better fit for your talents.

Think of it like a plot twist in a story. You’re the author of your life, and every twist and turn is an opportunity to write something new and unexpected. Yes, the past influences your narrative, but it doesn’t dictate the ending. You do.

So next time you’re faced with a challenge or reflecting on a difficult experience, remember: freedom is all about what you do next. Make your choices count.