Independence and freedom go hand and hand. It is therefore important for us to remain independent from the opinions of others whether they are positive or negative, and to think for ourselves, It is all too easy to be driven by external approval and praise or even disfavor, as this often results in a need to push back. Either way, our lives become dictated by external forces. On a societal level this is not different, as when we steer away from independent and critical thinking we become less free.
