What does it mean to be independent?
 

EQ:  We would say, in our thinking, what it would mean to be independent, would be to be a thinker, an entity that strives not to follow, but to find thy own way, an entity that finds the path that feels right for it and, for as long as it is rightness, continues on that path, whether it be a popular one or an unpopular one, as long as that entity feels it is right for them.  This is independence.

What is required of a person or group to be independent?

EQ:  The most important thing that it requires is the belief in self.  This is all.  Everything else comes from this, is this not so?  If thee believe that thee are on the path, then that path opens and thee create what thee need to continue that path, if thee are truly independent.  If thee are actually dependent but wanting to rile people, then thee will not stay upon the path, but will let others convince thee that thee are wrong, is this not so?