In response to a student's question about the dilemma of following family traditions without personal belief, Acharya Prashant explains that the issue is not about simply saying 'yes' or 'no'. He clarifies that the 'no' should be directed towards the blind, mechanical following of a tradition, not necessarily the tradition itself. One must first inquire into the origin and meaning of any tradition. If the inquiry reveals a profound and beautiful meaning, then one should bow down to that tradition and follow it with understanding. However, if it is found to be a hollow custom, a meaningless ritual, or hypocrisy, then there is no question of following it. The speaker points out that the real problem is the stubborn ignorance of those who follow traditions without knowing why and get angry when questioned. He calls this a journey of fear and ignorance. Participating in such a blind process is unacceptable. He emphasizes that the human quality is 'jigyasa' (curiosity or the spirit of inquiry). To live without questioning is to live like an animal ('pashu'), which comes from the word 'paash' (bondage), meaning one who is bound by ignorance and has no desire to be free from it. An animal blindly follows its instincts, but a human's distinction is the quest for freedom from darkness and ignorance. Acharya Prashant extends this principle of inquiry beyond just religious or cultural traditions. He urges the audience to apply the same questioning attitude to modern traditions and their own mental conditioning. He gives examples like the herd mentality in career choices, where everyone applies to the same few companies, or the societal pressure to get married by a certain age. He questions why one would challenge their father's traditions but not their own deeply ingrained beliefs and patterns. He warns against the hypocrisy of fighting external traditions while being a slave to one's own internal, unexamined ones. He concludes by stating that the path to freedom is through knowing. A true friend is one who raises questions and challenges your false sense of confidence, helping you see your own weaknesses. This process might be uncomfortable, but it is the only way to attain real strength. He advises to make questioning a habit, to investigate one's own delusions, and to break false assurances. For, as he puts it, "to know is to be liberated."