'Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking...'

The first time I came across this quote I was taken aback by its beautiful ambiguity. It is strikingly profound, and silently brilliant all at once. After a quick Google search I discovered that this quote is widely used in atheist and agnostic social circles. Perhaps the intent being to promote free thinking without fear of persecution. The hipster online atheist community often theorizes that our societies are constantly being brainwashed with religion to keep us weak. I however, interpreted this quote to mean three things. 1. Keep your mind ajar and enlightened, 2. Do not conform due to pressure, and 3. Remain curious and questioning. Maybe the most essential piece of this quote is the ending: "This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking..." I honestly believe that absolute freethinkers make up less than 1 percent of the human population. Freethinkers can be identified by their constant questioning, and boundless curiosity. Every office needs one. Every community needs one. Every University needs one. It is very difficult to become a true freethinker, and environmental factors definitely plays a part. I don't believe that atheism and freethinking are the same thing. Freethinking means questioning absolutely everything, but it does not necessarily mean that you can not believe in anything. Freethinking gives you the option to believe in anything you want to, and follow religions. But, freethinkers hold nothing sacred, they question everything including their religion.

Today, virtually everyone conforms. We all do what the person next to us is doing, and take other's considerations into account for every action we take. The reason behind this is because as a race we hate the feeling of being alone. Being alone is actually a key to freethinking, you can easily conform and be accepted, but must resist the temptation. You can never become complacent and must always strive to be different. For me, this is what I struggle with most. Especially as a teen, fighting off peer pressure is a hard battle. I change my identity tomorrow and instantly become more accepted by others. I have to stop for a second and remind myself that I am a Freethinker, changing myself would destroy my identity, my soul.

As a Freethinker my passion is to become an entrepreneur, and to never be satisfied with employment. I see college as a place to grow, and I believe I could greatly influence a university as a Freethinker. I intend to be patient zero, spreading the art of freethinking through which ever university I decide to attend. I believe that going to college will improve my freethinking capabilities, allowing me to expand my knowledge even more. For me, attending a college is a mutual agreement that should not be agreed upon solely by money. I should be influenced by the university as much as I intend to influence the university.