The quote can be defined by many contexts such as the truth can literally set you free and could help avoid problems or the truth could metaphorically set you free, by being truthful one remains true to oneself. In the case of Matthieu Poncelet, the truth had freed him in a figurative sense; by accepting the true nature of his crime, he would have saved his “soul” and led him to be honest with himself. The quote also refers to the mental freedom that admitting to his crimes would mean taking responsibility for his actions, something he had never done before. This could be used in our daily lives as a tool to stay honest and honest.