Acharya Prashant addresses the misconception of individual uniqueness in the face of collective conformity. He points out that while people claim to be unique, they almost universally pursue the same goals, such as money, respect, and security. He argues that these are not personal goals but are dictated by external agencies and internalized over time. Using the example of students choosing career paths based on economic trends rather than genuine interest, he illustrates how individuals are often like dry leaves blown by the wind, lacking true volition while falsely claiming their movements as their own desires. He further explains that our desires are a function of our self-definition or identity. If one identifies as a member of a specific religion or as a person with specific social roles, such as a son or daughter, their desires are already pre-determined by those identities. He asserts that what people call 'free will' is often just the fulfillment of an imposed identity. To find true independence and the joy of living, one must investigate the source of their desires and question their self-concept. He concludes that only by moving beyond false images and identities can one discover their real self and experience genuine free will.
