"一个国家如果压迫其他国家，它能自由吗？不能。"

At its heart, the idea is pretty straightforward: freedom isn't true freedom if it's built on the oppression of others. If a nation claims to be free but simultaneously oppresses other nations, it's living a lie. The supposed freedom is hollow because it's denying the very essence of freedom to others.

This thought has historical roots and a lot of weight. Think about when it was relevant—during the era of colonialism, for example. Many empires, like the British or the French, claimed they were bringing civilization and freedom to their colonies. But were they? Not really. They were imposing their will, exploiting resources, and subjugating the local populations. The supposed "freedom" of the colonizers was built on the backs of the oppressed.

To bring this concept into a more personal context, think about bullies in school. Imagine a kid who considers himself popular and free to do whatever he wants. But his sense of freedom comes from bullying others, making them feel small and powerless. Is he truly free? Or is his freedom just an illusion built on the pain and suffering of others? It's the same principle.

Let’s look at a real-world example. Consider the United States during the era of segregation. The nation touted itself as the "land of the free," yet African Americans were denied basic rights and freedoms. The supposed freedom of the nation was fundamentally flawed because it wasn't extended to all of its people. The civil rights movement highlighted this hypocrisy, and it took immense struggle and sacrifice to start aligning the nation's reality with its ideals of freedom.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our lives? Start by examining your actions. Are you lifting others up, or are you standing on their backs to elevate yourself? If you’re in a position of power—whether at work, in your community, or even within your family—consider if your freedom or success is coming at someone else's expense. Real freedom comes from mutual respect and equality, not from domination.

To illustrate, let’s think about a workplace scenario. Imagine you're a manager at a company. You have the freedom to make decisions that affect your team. Now, if you use that freedom to overwork your employees, denying them their personal time and well-being for the sake of productivity, you’re not truly leading a free team. You’re just imposing your will, and that creates a toxic environment. However, if you ensure everyone’s voice is heard, prioritize work-life balance, and uplift your team, you’re fostering true freedom and a healthier, more productive workplace.

In essence, the idea is about integrity and genuine respect for others. Think about it next time you're in a position of influence. Real freedom is shared, not hoarded. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive without stepping on each other's toes. Imagine a world where every nation, every community, every person respects this principle—now that's a world truly worth striving for.