---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That backpack's like your symbol of…"
description: "\"“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 th..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ff4/haruki-murakami-21_freedom_that-backpack-s-like-your-symbol-of-free_1197398.jpg"
---

#  That backpack's like your symbol of freedom," he comments…

![“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…” quote by Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ff4/haruki-murakami-21_freedom_that-backpack-s-like-your-symbol-of-free_1197398.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ff4/haruki-murakami-21_freedom_that-backpack-s-like-your-symbol-of-free_1197398.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ff4/haruki-murakami-21_freedom_that-backpack-s-like-your-symbol-of-free_1197398.jpg)

> ““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.””

[Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/haruki-murakami/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Freedom symbols may give false comfort; true freedom is complex and often unwanted, leading people to prefer illusion over actual liberty.

**In simple terms:** Symbols of freedom can be misleading; many avoid real freedom.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of perceived freedom.

Themes

freedom illusion human nature comfort choice

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical conversational

When to use this quote

- personal relationships
- political activism
- mental health counseling

Key Concepts

Existentialism psychology of liberty social critique

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you prefer comfort over true freedom?
- What does freedom mean to you?

A Different Perspective

Freedom can bring responsibility and uncertainty.

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[Free people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/free-people/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/)

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