Economic Freedom and Self-Help Spirit
Prosperity and opportunity must be the purpose of a nation. Then, how can we realize it?
The American major think tank once published a paper outlining the 'formula for prosperity.'(*)
(*)Azerrad, David, and Rea S. Hederman. 2012. Defending the Dream: Why Income Inequality Doesn't Threaten Opportunity. Washington: Heritage Foundation.
Doesn't it sound quite attractive? The paper points out that achieving the American Dream is primarily about hard work and the opportunities created by a free economy.
Grounded in the research, this equation is derived:
Economic Freedom + Culture of Work = Prosperity and Opportunity
Economic freedom must be guaranteed to increase an individual’s wealth. Achieving success, however, requires more than that. Hard work is also essential.
The paper states: “Economic freedom is not enough. All that economic freedom can do is set ‘commerce at perfect liberty’ and create the conditions for prosperity. Citizens must still be capable and willing to put in the hard work.”
The Journey: From Jail to Award-Winning Chef in Las Vegas
Jeffery Henderson, an African American award-winning chef, was once a drug dealer and imprisoned.
Aspiration and hard work transformed his life. While in jail, he developed a passion for cooking, which ignited his transformation. He immersed himself in newspapers and self-help books, and worked in prison kitchens, starting as a dishwasher and eventually preparing meals as a chef. After leaving prison, he struggled to find a job. He worked again as a dishwasher, and experienced numerous rejections, but has kept studying menus and books, and never stopped his efforts. Finally, he won a job with one of the best-known hotels in Las Vegas, and within the year was promoted to head chef. Henderson was honored as “Chef of the Year” and soon established a non-profit organization to help troubled kids.
What Principles You Embrace Will Shape Your Life
Ben Carson’s story should be more widely recognized since his life has been made into a movie: “Gifted Hands.”
Carson is internationally famous for achieving the first successful separation surgery of conjoined twins. He grew up in severe poverty, was raised by a single mom, and experienced racial discrimination, but never saw himself as a victim. Thanks to his mother's devoted support and teachings, he cultivated a habit of reading in his youth. This foundation eventually led him to adopt hard work, perseverance, and faith in God as guiding principles for life. These “American Dreams” tell us how the self-help spirit transforms our lives.
The Soul Is Productive and Creative in Nature
Master Ryuho Okawa, the globally recognized spiritual leader, and international best-selling author, reveals the secret of our souls which leads us to true success.
The supreme God gave us the creative power. In “The Laws of Eternity,” he expounds as follows:
“The soul is productive and creative in nature. This is the essential nature of the soul.”
“The soul is endowed with a level of diligence that urges it to work hard, so it is only natural for humans to strive toward further improvement.”
“So, people must keep working toward perfection so that their souls can be satisfied, peaceful, and happy. In this sense, the soul or the essence of humans is an eternal traveler.”
What Is True Equality and Freedom?
In the course of evolving our souls, we find the true meaning of equality and freedom. Humans were all created as diamonds in rough. The diamond shines brilliantly when polished, but it's up to each individual to decide whether to polish it.
In “The Eternal Buddha,” Master Okawa reveals the eye-opening secrets of reincarnation.
“What is true equality?
The only equality that humans are bestowed is that
All souls, regardless of their spiritual levels,
Enter a mother's womb,
And when they are born as babies
They start with a blank slate with
No recollection of all their past lives.
Then, what is true freedom?
It is that every person is entrusted with
The responsibility of building their own reputation
Through the process of
Beginning their lives as a baby with a blank slate,
Expressing their individuality,
Developing their own character
Through their thoughts and deeds,
And then working in society.
These are the true meanings of equality and freedom.”
From this viewpoint, the self-help spirit isn't merely a slogan; it's intimately connected to the core of our souls and our happiness. In today's age of material abundance, it's an opportune moment to reflect on prosperity as children of God.
