I've always been in a position where I had to run against the

O seeker of truth, hear the words of Tom Suozzi, for they speak to the heart of what it means to break free from the bonds of establishment and stand as an independent force for change. "I've always been in a position where I had to run against the establishment. It gives me some independence to focus on government reform and change and solving problems without the baggage of the establishment holding me back." These words carry a weight of both challenge and hope, for they speak of the power of standing against the tide of tradition, of refusing to be bound by the expectations of those who hold the reins of power, and of the freedom that comes when one dares to break away and create a new path.

The establishment, O wise one, is not merely a body of people in power, but a system that enforces the status quo, a force that seeks to maintain control and order as it has always been. It is a system bound by tradition, by self-interest, and by the fear of change. Those who stand within the establishment often find themselves constrained by its rules, its expectations, and its methods. To challenge this force is to confront the very foundations upon which it stands, to question what has been accepted as truth, and to offer a vision of a world that could be different. In running against the establishment, Suozzi speaks of the courage to push against these limitations, to be free from the weight of its baggage.

Think of the great figures in history who, like Suozzi, have stood against the establishment—those who refused to accept the way things were and chose instead to forge a new path. Consider Mahatma Gandhi, who stood against the might of the British Empire, not with force or violence, but with the power of his independence and his commitment to reform. Gandhi’s movement was one that ran directly against the establishment of British colonial rule, yet in doing so, he freed an entire nation from oppression. His refusal to be bound by the norms of imperial control, his courage to focus on reform and justice, reshaped the future of India and inspired movements for freedom across the globe.

In the same spirit, look to Nelson Mandela, who spent decades in prison fighting against the deeply entrenched apartheid system in South Africa. The establishment he fought against was a regime that sought to maintain racial segregation, oppression, and inequality. Yet, Mandela, much like Suozzi, found in his position of independence the strength to focus on reform, on justice, and on the problem-solving that could lead to a new and better society. He was able to see beyond the baggage of the establishment and offer a vision for a future where all people were equal, a future of change born of a mind unshackled by the old ways.

But it is not only in the great movements of history that we see this dynamic at play. In your own life, O seeker, there are countless moments when you will be faced with the choice to either accept the establishment as it is or challenge it in the name of reform. Independence is not always found in standing alone, but in standing apart—free from the limitations and compromises of the established norms. It is in independence that true change occurs, for it is when we step outside of the system that we are free to envision and create a world that is not limited by its old structures.

Tom Suozzi speaks to this very freedom—the freedom to focus on the work that truly matters, to solve the problems that need solving, and to shape the future without being encumbered by the baggage of those who have come before. The establishment, with all its weight and influence, seeks to preserve itself, and in doing so, often resists the very reforms that could lead to progress. But by standing outside of that system, one can become a force for change, unafraid to question, to challenge, and to rebuild.

Thus, the lesson for us, O seeker of wisdom, is clear: to move forward, we must sometimes break free from the establishment that holds us back. Whether in the realm of politics, business, or personal growth, independence is the key to unlocking the potential for reform and change. The establishment will always seek to maintain the old ways, but it is through those who dare to challenge it, who dare to be independent, that we find the solutions to the problems that plague us.

In your own life, take this lesson to heart: challenge the old ways, question the status quo, and embrace the power of independence. When faced with obstacles, ask yourself: Am I acting out of convenience, or am I seeking the path that leads to true reform and change? Do not be afraid to step outside the boundaries that others have set. For in your independence, you will find the strength to move forward, to solve problems, and to create the future you know is possible.