Good post - I think it was the sociologist George Simmel who first pointed out the liberating potential of money (in response to so many other sociologists who just see it as evil) - capital in the bank and passive income is the way to freedom.

Although it's only one way - I think it's best combined with a frugal mentality - spending less on crap you don't need, as you mention with the T.V.

On that note, I'm developing a kind of 'lock-in' equation for every item I might consume depending on how much it costs me in relation to time. For example £20 on a Domino's pizza, that's 5 hours of freedom down the drain if I need about £100 a day to live off. Not worth it for 30 mins of pleasure (if you eat slowly).

While I personally agree with what you say... earn hard, save down = the root to freedom, I'd be interested in knowing what you think about this guy...

Personally I find him quite inspiring! And he certainly seems free and very content.

Good point about steemit and the new users... I can't imagine earnings being as good once mass adoption happens - although TBH people who post the niche/ quirky shit like ourselves will probably be less affected than the lifestyle travel/ fitness/ food bloggers - anyone can bash those type of posts out.