Freedom is not the absence of commitments… it’s actually about making the *right* ones. This is a game-changer for how we think about our choices and personal power.
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Table of Contents
Meaning
True freedom isn’t about being unburdened and commitment-free. It’s the power to consciously select and fully dedicate yourself to the people, projects, and principles that truly align with your authentic self.
Explanation
Look, for the longest time, I thought freedom was an empty calendar. No obligations, no strings attached. But that’s a trap. That’s just reactivity. What Coelho is getting at is a more profound, *active* freedom. It’s the empowerment that comes from looking at all the options—the job, the relationship, the move—and saying, “This one. This is what serves me.” And then leaning into it completely. The commitment isn’t the cage; it’s the expression of your choice. It’s the difference between being a leaf blown by the wind and being the captain of your own ship, choosing your destination and steering towards it.
Quote Summary
Reading Level65
Aesthetic Score83
Origin & Factcheck
This wisdom comes straight from Paulo Coelho’s 2003 novel, “Eleven Minutes,” which is set primarily in Switzerland. It’s a common one to get misattributed to other self-help gurus, but its true home is in Coelho’s exploration of a young woman’s journey toward self-discovery.
Attribution Summary
Author Bio
Paulo Coelho(1947) is a world acclaimed novelist known for his writings which covers spirituality with underlying human emotion with a profound storytelling. His transformative pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago inspired his breakthrough book, The Pilgrimage which is soon followed by The Alchemist< which went on to become the best seller. Through mystical narratives and introspective style, Paulo Coelho even today inspires millions of people who are seeking meaning and purpose in their life
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the ability to choose and commit to what is best for you |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2003 (Brazil); ISBN: 978-0-06-058928-8; Latest Edition: HarperCollins 2004; 288 pages. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 21, Approximate page from 2003 edition |
Context
In the book, the main character, Maria, is on a raw and often difficult quest to understand love, sex, and her own agency. This quote isn’t just philosophical fluff; it’s a hard-won conclusion she arrives at after experiencing the hollow “freedom” of having no real attachments. She learns that real power lies in choosing her path, not just avoiding one.
Usage Examples
I use this concept all the time, especially when talking to:
- Overwhelmed Professionals: Someone complaining about their 60-hour workweek. The solution isn’t necessarily to quit, but to ask: “Did you choose this project? Does it align with your goals?” If yes, the commitment feels different. It feels like ownership.
- People in Relationships: The couple who feels “tied down.” This reframes the relationship from a chain to a conscious choice you renew every day. You’re not stuck; you’re committed because you want to be.
- Young Graduates: Paralyzed by too many options. This quote tells them it’s okay to commit to one path. The freedom was in the choosing. The commitment is what makes the choice real.
To whom it appeals?
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FAQ
Question: Doesn’t any commitment limit your freedom?
Answer: It seems that way on the surface, right? But think of it like this: Choosing to become a master pianist requires a huge commitment to practice. That commitment “limits” you from partying every night, but it *creates* the freedom to express yourself through beautiful music. The limitation is what creates a higher form of freedom.
Question: How do I know what’s “best for me” to commit to?
Answer: That’s the million-dollar question. It requires self-awareness. You have to get quiet, listen to your intuition, and be honest about your values. It’s a practice. Sometimes you’ll choose wrong, and that’s okay. The freedom is in knowing you can re-choose, re-commit, or change course.
Question: Is this just about big life decisions?
Answer: Not at all. You can apply this to your daily to-do list. Instead of seeing tasks as burdens, ask, “Did I choose to prioritize this?” That simple mental shift, from being a victim of your list to being the author of it, is a tiny, daily exercise of this kind of freedom.
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