Why financial freedom?

I really wanted to do this post a few days back when the issue was still fresh in my mind but somehow never found the time to do so. But, well, here I am to explore why we want to get rich...

My desire to do this post is triggered by Firman, who in http://intelnova.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=3507&pid=68486&st=0&#entry68486 exclaimed that we were not enjoying life like some of our other friends who are partying and having "fun". And Firman also reflected on the possibility that being too involved in forex to the point of obession would destroy us eventually.

And I share his concerns. After all, that "fun" is fun, otherwise I wouldn't have had the desire to drink, get high, and party. But...that fun is really short-lived. It leaves one with a headache, maybe some vomitting, and maybe a night of regrettable actions. (haha, I learn that the hard way) Not that I wouldn't do it, but it's good to know and be involved sometimes. But not too often. And as for the obsession part...I think this obsession is pretty good for the time being. While we might lose friends along the way, but that is just natural as one comes into active contact and relationship-building with other friends and associates along the same path.

Remember? The five closest people around you today will define your context and reality in the next 5 to 10 years.

Anyway, becoming rich is very exciting, because that means your standard of living goes up, you get to enjoy more material goods, you have the opportunity to quit you job in the middle of a career, you've no worries about your bills and many other superficial stuff.

But more importantly, the question "But have you ever wondered once we become financially free, what are we going to do?" is, to me, an answer in itself. No, that doesn't mean, just because I have time on my hands, I would laze around and waste time. In fact it is such that now the control over time and financials is returned to your hands, one can do what is most beneficial and important for oneself, loved ones, friends and many others. And if you didn't see charity, read again.

I HAVE A DREAM! That line was made famous by Martin Luther. His dream sparked and motivated the change in attitudes and constitution of America towards the "not-so-equal" people of his racial origin. Today things are alot better but still our brothers have more to do to prove their worth. The dream brought the people through amazing journeys and tough times.

In the same way, dreams will carry us through the toughest parts. Not that we won't get wet or slip or shot on this dangerous journey, but the dream would support us. And what's my dream? I hope to see, above all, that I can do what matters most. Be it to spend time with my gf (and wife-to-be), or possibly being there for my kids' special events, or to meet with my friends to always stay in touch, or to go on humanitarian trips to countries in need (and learn much more at the same time), or simply to sit down and learn to be at peace with myself. For all these reasons and more, I would like to be financial independent. Not of parents, but of a routine which would kill brain cells, stifle creativity, and make you lose what you love most.

So there you have it, Firman, and all, it is not going on this path towards financial freedom or passive income that will make you lose important stuff. But not going down this path would eventually get to you and you would lose even more.

In closing I would like to quote a motto of some ancient army (Greeks I think, or Roman, well, whichever).

ALL MAN HAVE FEARS,
BUT THE BRAVE PUT DOWN THEIR FEARS
TO GO FORWARD,
SOMETIMES TO DEATH,
BUT ALWAYS TO VICTORY!