"Independence doesn't mean you decide the way you want"

This quote by Stephen Breyer stresses the value of independence, but also the requirement to be mindful of the effects of our choices. Independence does not imply that we can do whatever we desire without thinking about the impact of our choices. Instead, it suggests that we have the liberty to make our own decisions, but we should also understand the possible consequences of those decisions. We must be mindful of the impact our decisions have on ourselves, our households, our neighborhoods, and our society as a whole. Self-reliance is a benefit, and with that benefit comes obligation. We should utilize our self-reliance carefully and attentively, and know the repercussions of our choices.