Watching my son graduate high school this past week was a moment of pride and reflection. Yet, amidst the joy, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the education system had just successfully produced another batch of economic slaves. Our society perpetuates the illusion of freedom, but in reality, it shackles our youth to a lifetime of debt. As they were encouraged to pursue their emotions and live their dreams, they are about to enter a world dominated by the “god of Money.”
In our materialistic culture, young graduates are seduced by the allure of nice things—things that, unlike the comforts provided by mom, dad, and government schooling, now come at a significant cost. The transition from dependent child to independent adult is marked by the assumption of financial burdens. College loans, credit cards, car loans, and home loans are just the beginning. Each financial commitment draws them deeper into a web of economic slavery, where their time and freedom are exchanged for material possessions.
The illusion of prosperity comes at a steep price. As these young adults step into the workforce, they find themselves obligated to a future filled with stress and relentless toil. The dream of enjoying life now, only to pay for it later, becomes a nightmare of perpetual debt. The carefree promises of youth are replaced by the harsh realities of financial responsibility. Instead of truly living, they become caught in a cycle of earning and repaying, their dreams shackled by the demands of creditors.
This is the harsh truth that should be delivered in commencement speeches. Instead of painting a rosy picture filled with rainbows and unicorn farts, graduates need to be warned about the true cost of following their hearts without financial prudence. The pursuit of happiness, defined by acquiring material possessions and status symbols, often leads to a life of bondage rather than freedom. The coolest clothes, cars, and vacation homes come with a hidden price tag: the sacrifice of one’s peace and autonomy.
As we celebrate our children’s academic achievements, we must also prepare them for the financial realities of adulthood. True freedom lies not in the accumulation of debt-fueled luxuries, but in understanding the value of financial independence and the importance of living within one’s means. Only then can they break free from the chains of economic slavery and truly live a life of freedom and fulfillment.
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