Isn't it the most curious thing that a thousand people can witness the exact same event, and yet every individual will have a unique experience, a series of thoughts never thought before? This is so because of our perceptions. Though we may witness the same events, eat the same foods, watch the same television, the feelings, thoughts, and actions it provokes are as unique as the audience. 

Everything we believe, detest, adore, has been formulated in our minds through a series of filters; culture, upbringing, environment, allows people to view the same events, and while some may vomit in disgust, others might bring their hands together in celebration.

In the beginning of Tess of the D'Ubervilles, we encounter a man who many view as sodding rubbish. A drunk vagrant, from his description. He himself believes the perceptions of others. However, once he came into knowledge of his royal background, his entire perception changes. Alas, no longer is he a drunkard, nay, he is but a king in celebration. No longer is he a vagrant, he is a kind lord attempting to relate to his people. 

Nothing really changed after his discovery of his lineage, however. He is still a drunk pauper on the side of the streets, in worn and tattered clothing. However, none of that matters now. The vagrant now views himself as royalty, and since perceptions are truly our only fashion of understanding, he may as well be a great lord in some high up castle. 

The point is, everything we believe is affirmed only through our perceptions. Therefore, if one can assume control and consciousness of their perceptions, they are nearly limitless. Without pre-conceived notions of what we should be or what we are, one attains the only true freedom; freedom from self.