"I do not weep: I loathe tears, for they are a sign of slavery"

This quote by Max Beckmann speaks with the concept of psychological freedom. He is recommending that tears signify being oppressed, either by one's own emotions or by the expectations of others. He is rejecting the idea that tears are a sign of weakness, and instead is asserting that he is strong enough to not be managed by his feelings. He is likewise turning down the idea that he need to be expected to cry in certain situations, and instead is selecting to reveal his emotions in a various method. By declining to sob, he is asserting his self-reliance and liberty from the expectations of others. He is also revealing his own strength and strength in the face of difficult emotions.