Negation is the mind's first freedom, yet a negative habit is fruitful only so long as we exert ourselves to overcome it, adapt it to our needs; once acquired it can imprison us.

Summary

This quote suggests that negation, the act of denying something or thinking in a negative way, can initially be liberating for the mind. However, it emphasizes that a negative habit can only be beneficial if we actively work to overcome it and use it to our advantage. If we fail to do so, this habit can become a constraint that limits our potential and confines us in a negative mindset. In other words, while negation can provide freedom, it can also turn into a restricting force if not properly managed.