The debate between nature and nurture continues to this day in the world of psychology. The effects of an individual's genetics and their environment on their personality and actions is an age-old debate that remains inconclusive. However, it is obvious that both sides of the argument contain some form of truth. It can be stated that the main characteristics of an individual are formed by their environment, more precisely by their past experiences. An individual's past shapes and shapes their identity, if they do not make the effort to escape from it. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows that clinging to the past prevents individuals from fully experiencing the present, ultimately leading to resentment, dissatisfaction, and errors in judgment. Resentment is an emotion that carries the heavy weight of a past that cannot be recreated. This leads to anger, bitterness, and the destruction of healthy relationships. Living in the past leads to resentment towards life and limits an individual's current potential. Tom places immense value on his past. In The Great Gatsby, the negative repercussions of clinging to the past are identified as resentment, dissatisfaction, and errors in judgment. More often than not, unrealistic expectations about relationships, people, and the future will lead to disappointed expectations, thus leading to unhappiness, loss of identity, and limitations in personal growth. For an individual to flourish, they must continue to rebuild themselves and let go of the past, but this is simply unrealistic. The past can be compelling, manifesting itself in all aspects of the present and future. This can hinder happiness and growth. So, if the past can limit all aspects of individuality, what is the true meaning of freedom? Can anyone really be free from everything