Are We Capable Of Independent Thought?

If so, we are free.
If not, we are mentally imprisoned.

Independence is being free from outside control; not subject to another’s authority or ideas. Words or language are a generalisation of whatever is experienced. Experience is practical contact with an observable event. In that first instant of practical experience – before we comment – is transcendent awareness that has no words.

In the moment of desire is bright awareness.
That bright awareness is consciousness.

The realisation: we have always been consciously free and independent,
but we rely on convention to explain this experience,
and the moment fossilises.

No independent thought, no free speech.