That backpack's like your symbol of freedom, he comments.Guess so, I say.Having an object that symbolizes freedom might make a person happier than actually getting the freedom it represents.Sometimes, I say.Sometimes, he repeats. You know, if they had a contest for the world's shortest replies, you'd win hands down.Perhaps.Perhaps, Oshima says, as if fed up. Perhaps most people in the world aren't trying to be free, Kafka. They just think they are. It's all an illusion. If they really were set free, most people would be in a real bind. You'd better remember that. People actually prefer not being free.
In Haruki Murakami's "Kafka on the Shore," a character reflects on the significance of a backpack, suggesting it represents freedom. The conversation implies that possessing an object symbolizing freedom can bring more happiness than the actual state of being free. This notion leads to a deeper discussion about the nature of freedom itself and how it can be perceived as an illusion for many people.
Oshima challenges the assumption that everyone strives for freedom, suggesting that most individuals might prefer the comfort of their constraints. He points out that true freedom could be overwhelming for many, indicating that the desire for freedom can sometimes be misleading. This exchange raises profound questions about human nature and the meaning of liberation.
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