Acharya Prashant explains that intelligence demands freedom, which unfolds in three distinct stages. The first stage is 'freedom from,' which involves breaking away from existing bondages, compulsory thinking, and the necessity of following societal norms. This is a negative freedom where one seeks to rid themselves of the 'mind stuff' and clutter that currently defines their life. The second stage is 'freedom of,' a more positive state where external influence has diminished, and one pursues goals that appear to be their own. While the first stage rejects goals given by society, the second stage involves pursuing goals that seem to come from within the self. The final stage is absolute freedom, where there are no goals at all, comparable to a bird soaring in an open sky without highways or destinations. Acharya Prashant emphasizes that for most people, the first step—freedom from chains—is the most actionable and relevant, as one cannot talk of soaring high while still in bondage. He advises focusing on clearing the mind of its current clutter and external impositions before moving toward higher states of freedom.