There is something about a dream within a dream that intrigues me; the fact that our everyday lives are so much similar. We think that the events around us happened because of our utmost will and freedom to choose, but it is merely an illusion.
In the film, the layers of dream that Cobb experienced build up to the inception of a radical notion: be independent from inheritance. And just like in the movie, we are subliminally influenced by layers of external factors which again, culminated within our mind as a single thought. It is ironic that we believe an idea is purely of our own freedom to think, untouched from the environment around us.
These external factors are mainly people, time, and location. The people factor may be one of the most dynamic influence; it consists of heavily suggestions which shaped the individual's point of view. The second factor is time, which is the most neglected but may be the most decisive; it is able to elevate an individual to success or desperation within the perfect timing and situation - every second makes a difference. The final factor is location, which undoubtedly dictates the progress of a typical society in a certain geography or neighborhood. Different places provide different experience which shapes one's unique perspective and decisions.
To end, it is an alien and mysterious thought that each individual actually has no direct control over one's own life. Perhaps it is meant to be - that human beings needed to live side by side towards a better future, influencing and inspiring one another. After realizing that our lives are so much connected, it becomes a responsibility to every individual to respect each other and continue the flow of inspirations to lighten up our society and build a brighter future together.
To end, it is an alien and mysterious thought that each individual actually has no direct control over one's own life. Perhaps it is meant to be - that human beings needed to live side by side towards a better future, influencing and inspiring one another. After realizing that our lives are so much connected, it becomes a responsibility to every individual to respect each other and continue the flow of inspirations to lighten up our society and build a brighter future together.