In a manner free from outside control or influence. Acting or functioning without relying on others for support or guidance.
From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'dependere' (to hang from), literally meaning 'not hanging from' something else. The concept evolved from physical dependency to abstract notions of autonomy and self-reliance.
The word captures a fundamental tension in human society between individual autonomy and collective interdependence. Despite our desire to act independently, modern research shows that even our most 'independent' decisions are heavily influenced by social and environmental factors we're often unaware of.
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