French writer and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir is often heralded as a pioneer of the feminist movement thanks to her book “The Second Sex,” which critiques the restrictions a patriarchal society puts on women. But De Beauvoir was concerned with more than one kind of freedom. She worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and later lent her influence to the student activist movements of the 1960s and the anti-Vietnam protests of the 1970s. These words spring from her novel “The Blood of Others,” which pulls from De Beauvoir’s own experience witnessing the suffering of refugees. She reminds us that we all deserve the freedom to be and live as we choose — indeed, it is a basic human right.

Billionaire investor and business magnate Warren Buffett’s description of shade on a warm, sunny day is a perfect metaphor for the importance of long-term thinking and investing in the future. When we realize our actions can either help or harm our future selves — or later generations — the choices we make become immensely impactful. It may require sacrifice and hard work today, but we will surely be thankful for our efforts in the long run.

Flexibility was a cornerstone of psychologist Timothy Leary’s work: He introduced new frameworks for group therapy and the therapist-patient relationship. Leary is best known for his studies on the transformative effects of psychedelic drugs, which led him to conclude that some hallucinogens can positively influence personality or outlook. While Leary’s research remains controversial, his takeaway hits on a universal truth: By remaining flexible and willing to change our minds, we give ourselves more room to grow, expand our perspective, and live a fulfilling life.