I believe strongly in the importance of freedom, particularly the duty of those who are free to use their freedom to help liberate others.
Now, many of you may have chosen unconventional life paths, avoiding the beaten track or steering clear of the standard corporate route. This choice might leave you feeling somewhat isolated, perhaps even superior, when compared to those who chose a more secure, traditional path. That's understandable because often, we view those who follow the conventional routes as less free than us.
However, while acknowledging and cherishing your freedom is important, it's equally crucial to use it purposefully rather than just comparing your level of liberty to others. The more freedom you have, the greater responsibility you bear. This includes responsibility for yourself, for others, for our planet, and for life in all its forms.
Not everyone has the same opportunities or capacities. We're all constrained in different ways by our resources, environments, mental faculties, and more. If you find yourself with more options, more flexibility, and a wider range of actions you can take compared to someone else, like someone trapped in a stifling corporate job, it becomes your duty to do the right thing.
Doing the right thing isn't just about avoiding guilt or maintaining a clear conscience. If you know you can make a difference and choose not to, you're letting down not just yourself but also the world around you. The consequences can be deeply felt within you.
It's easy to point out that someone working at Google or Goldman Sachs might be limited in their freedom of speech or spirit. But what's truly meaningful is using your own freedom to take actions that set everyone free. That's where the real value lies.
It's not about monetary wealth, but rather a spiritual wealth—a richness of purpose and fulfillment that comes from using your freedom to create a freer world.