"Even though we know freedom as an idea we're not really as free as we think we are"

Richard O'Brien's quote, "Despite the fact that we understand liberty as a concept we're not truly as free as we think we are", provides an extensive reflection on the complexities and limitations fundamental in the principle of flexibility. At its core, the quote suggests a disconnect between the theoretical understanding of flexibility and its practical application in our lives.

Firstly, O'Brien suggests that liberty is typically perceived as an abstract ideal, an idea we can intellectually comprehend and define. It is often related to autonomy, independence, and the ability to make choices without external restrictions. Nevertheless, this idealized vision can be misleading due to the fact that it ignores the nuanced and diverse nature of freedom in reality.

O'Brien's statement invites us to recognize that, in spite of our understanding and pursuit of this perfect, numerous visible and undetectable elements continuously affect our flexibility. These can consist of societal standards, laws, financial status, cultural expectations, and even psychological barriers. For instance, people may feel free in a democratic society, yet they remain bound by socio-economic aspects that limit their chances and options. In other words, while the scaffolding of flexibility might be present, the real experience of it can be fragmented and incomplete.

Moreover, the quote brings a philosophical undertone, challenging us to question the credibility of our perceived flexibility. It pushes us to delve deeper into self-questioning and awareness, advising us to evaluate just how much of our freedom is self-determined versus determined by external influences. It also functions as a suggestion that the journey towards true freedom is continuous and requires caution and vital examination.

In essence, O'Brien requires a more nuanced understanding of flexibility, one that acknowledges the disparity between the ideal and the real. It is a prompt to not just appreciate the liberties we take pleasure in but also to stay conscious of the restraints that silently form our actions and choices. Through this reflection, we are motivated to strive for a more extensive and truthful engagement with the idea of flexibility in our lives.