In Azar Nafisi's memoir "Reading Lolita in Tehran," the author reflects on the authoritarian mindset prevalent in her society. This mentality is characterized by the belief that individuals do not possess the autonomy to make personal choices, such as resigning from their positions. Instead, the powers that be dictate the terms of their participation, from the duration of their service to their eventual dismissal.

This sense of arbitrariness creates a stifling environment that is difficult to endure. Nafisi's narrative illustrates the struggle against an oppressive system that undermines personal agency and freedom, emphasizing the frustration felt by those who are subject to such control. The memoir reveals the broader implications of a society that denies individuals the right to determine their own paths.