There’s a misconception that we are always free and autonomous and that this is the human condition. In reality, we act from unknown influences almost all the time. But, though it is not our default state, autonomy can be cultivated with practice. But you must work for it.
From my experience, by understanding your external influences (social structures, authority figures, etc), and you internal influences (your cognitive biases, any subconscious influences). Once you have a greater understanding of these, you can act despite them
