You are owned and it is up to you to free yourself

You are owned, and it is up to you to free yourself.

You are born to parents. Another way to interpret the word "parents" is as a "pair rents"—a pair who rents you until the educational system, government, entertainment industry, social media, and society mold your mind to their standards. This process instills a slave mentality. John D. Rockefeller, who shaped the modern educational system, famously stated that he did not want a nation of thinkers but a nation of workers.

Society conditions us to follow a prescribed path: go to school, get a job, work hard, retire, and then enjoy life. The reality is that if you adhere to this path, you may remain a slave to the system for your entire life. Instead, you should strive to enjoy life while you are living.

Breaking Free from a Slave Mentality

The idea that we are "owned" and must free ourselves is a provocative but essential truth. From the moment we are born, we are subject to a system that shapes our thoughts, values, and beliefs in ways that often serve the interests of those in power rather than our own. This conditioning begins at home, continues in schools, and is reinforced by societal norms and institutions. To break free from this slave mentality, we must first recognize its existence and then actively work to reclaim our autonomy.

The Role of Institutions in Conditioning

Our parents, or "pair rents," as the text cleverly suggests, temporarily guided us during our formative years. However, their guidance often aligns with societal norms, perpetuating a cycle of conformity. The educational system, for instance, was designed not to encourage critical thinking or creativity but to produce obedient workers. John D. Rockefeller, one of its key architects, explicitly stated that he desired a nation of workers, not thinkers. This system teaches us to value hard work for others' gain over personal fulfillment or intellectual independence.

Beyond education, the media, entertainment industry, and government also play significant roles in shaping our perceptions. Social media, in particular, reinforces comparison and materialism, distracting us from introspection and meaningful goals. These institutions collectively mold individuals into a predictable workforce rather than fostering unique, self-empowered individuals.

The Illusion of the "Standard Path"

Society promotes a linear life trajectory: go to school, secure a job, work hard, retire, and only then enjoy life. This formula may appear logical, but it is a trap. It delays gratification and conditions us to spend the most vibrant years of our lives in servitude to employers, often sacrificing health, relationships, and dreams in the process. By the time retirement arrives, many find themselves too physically or emotionally drained to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Breaking the Chains

Breaking free from this slave mentality begins with awareness. Recognize the systems that have conditioned you and question their motives. Why should you postpone joy until retirement? Why should you trade your passions for a paycheck? Once you identify the limitations of societal conditioning, you can start to make intentional choices that align with your values and aspirations.

Here are steps to reclaim your autonomy:

1. Embrace Critical Thinking: Question societal norms, media narratives, and even your own beliefs. Cultivate a mindset that values curiosity and exploration.

2. Redefine Success: Success is not solely financial. It includes emotional well-being, meaningful relationships, and personal growth.

3. Pursue Passions: Identify what brings you joy and fulfillment, and make time for these pursuits daily.

4. Simplify Life: Reduce reliance on material possessions and embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes experiences over things.

5. Build Community: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support your journey toward freedom and self-empowerment.

Enjoying Life While Living

The ultimate goal is to live fully in the present. This means prioritizing joy, connection, and self-expression over societal expectations. It is about breaking the cycle of working to live and instead designing a life where work aligns with your purpose and passions.

The journey to freedom is not without challenges, but the reward is profound: a life that is authentically yours. By recognizing and rejecting the systems that seek to own you, you can reclaim your independence and live a life of true fulfillment.

Joe Bear Warrior Gonzales

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