Freedom Quote by Augusten Burroughs
““I think…Have I given up anything by living with another person? Has there been a trade-off? Always, there is a trade-off. And the answer comes to me instantly. I have given up a certain degree of freedom. The ability to plow through my life with utter disregard for the thoughts and feelings of other people. I can no longer read a magazine and throw it on the floor. In exchange, I get unlimited access to the one person I have met in my life whom I automatically felt was out of my league. My favorite human being, the single person I cherish above all others. This is the person I get to share the oxygen in the room with . And for this, I will happily scrub the toilet.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Running with Scissors, 2002
Living with another person requires sacrificing some personal freedom in exchange for deep companionship and love.
In simple terms: Sharing life limits freedom but gives love.
Key Takeaway
Value love over independence.
Themes
relationships
love
trade-offs
personal growth
Mood
reflective
affectionate
Type
personal
relationship
When to use this quote
- cohabitation
- long‑term partnership
- daily routines
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
dependency
intimacy
self‑restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal freedom with partnership?
- What sacrifices are worth the love you receive?
A Different Perspective
Independence may feel restricted, causing resentment if not balanced.
