Comment by giantg2

Living somewhat independently is available to most people. Most people just don't want to make the tradeoffs to do it. You might have to give up stuff like electronics and move to a cheaper area you don't want to be in, but is is generally possible.

"But talking about this as if it's about how The Man just doesn't want you to be an independent free thinker is a misunderstanding of why most people live in the societies that they do."

Now apply these concepts to an individual who isn't being served by their society.