[over500pieces]

I agree an animal in a zoo can do all those things, but an animal in the wild (usually a good example of being free) can do them, too, and to a much greater degree. I do not quite understand how the comparison works better for a caged animal as opposed to a free one. Draw a big enough fence, and everyone's always been in a cage?

Agreed that our world is manipulated around us, but I think the manipulations are much less influential than (a) the difference in society between now vs 500 years ago (and vs where we will be in 100 years) and (b) what we choose to believe and want for ourselves by thinking critically. Still, I do wonder sometimes about the things we choose to believe vs what society convinces us to believe.

How far off the mark am I?

[nixpulvis]

Not off the mark at all, at least as far as I see it. I'm probably more free than a person 500 years ago could ever imagine... I'm also more caged than they could know too.

Times change, as do perspectives. Sorry I can't be more helpful.