Freedom and status

Those who feel fatalistic in their bondage do often develop a misconception, that those who live to be free, wish to feel superior (to them). We do not think money makes us free: it serves (or does not serve) us as part of a way of life that frees us. Some people covet a way to freedom without recognizing the attitudes and ideas that make it freedom. If we did these things for status, we would still be in bondage- to living our way, relative to the slavery and sadness of others.

A friend was posting about his choice of career as a librarian. He chose this to make his own life bearable. That is the life we should choose: what would make it most seem worth living?

He gave an example of how unnecessary status is. He is glad if people who, for example, serve food, are happy in their work. I know there was a time I certainly was, but mostly when I could count on my kitchen to make the right things, in a timely fashion, and especially if I could make a connection with my guests.

I replied:
Why do we fail to appreciate people in any honest and actual labor, right? Yes, particularly those who are providing us with sustenance. What we eat should be an experience, not an after thought. We profit from seeing one another with purpose and clarity- even if those qualities are lost on the person who thinks they labor only for money.

We aspire to achieve, and to fashion labors that suit our unique temperment, as you say, not merely to acquire status relative to others.