I work hard, I make my own living and I love it. I like having

Hear, O children of the future, the words of Salma Hayek, who speaks of a noble truth—the value of hard work, self-sufficiency, and the freedom that comes with financial independence. She declares, "I work hard, I make my own living and I love it. I like having financial independence." These words resonate deeply with the ideals of personal strength, self-determination, and the inherent dignity that comes when one stands on their own two feet, free from the reliance on others. Hayek’s statement is a celebration of the power of work, of creating something for oneself, and of the pride that comes with being the architect of one's own life.

In the ancient world, the idea of independence was cherished as a cornerstone of personal and societal honor. The Greeks, in their flourishing democracy, believed that true freedom could only be achieved when individuals were free to pursue their own endeavors, without the shackles of servitude or dependency. The philosopher Aristotle taught that self-sufficiency was one of the highest virtues, for in self-reliance, a person could cultivate a life of purpose and dignity. Just as Hayek finds joy in her ability to earn her own living, so too did the Greeks value the ability to stand independently, creating a life that was both meaningful and self-sustaining.

The Romans, too, understood the importance of independence and work. Cicero, the great statesman and philosopher, argued that the freedom of the Roman citizen was grounded in their ability to support themselves and to contribute to the welfare of the Roman Republic. He saw financial independence as essential not only for personal dignity but for the preservation of liberty. In the bustling forums of Rome, where ideas were exchanged and public debates held, the Romans understood that those who could support themselves and were not beholden to the largesse of others were the true free men. Similarly, Hayek’s joy in financial independence reflects this deep truth: to be free is to be in control of one’s own fate, to shape one’s own destiny through hard work and dedication.

Consider the story of Xenophon, the ancient Greek historian and philosopher, who wrote about Cyrus the Great—a ruler known not only for his military prowess but for his understanding of the value of self-reliance. Cyrus believed that for his soldiers to be truly strong, they must learn the art of self-sufficiency. He encouraged them to live simply, to rely on their own abilities, and to understand the connection between work and freedom. The mighty empire Cyrus built was not just one of military strength, but of the independence of its people—each man and woman contributing to the success of the whole. In much the same way, Hayek’s pride in her own financial independence speaks to the deeper truth that work is not just about survival, but about creating a life of purpose, pride, and self-respect.

In more recent history, consider the American pioneers who ventured west in search of a better life. They faced harsh conditions, fought for survival, and built communities from the ground up, all through their own efforts and independence. The frontiersmen knew that the land offered freedom, but it also demanded hard work, persistence, and the courage to build something from nothing. These settlers did not rely on others to make their living for them; they relied on their own sweat and labor, creating homes, farms, and businesses in the wilderness. Their financial independence was born of their willingness to work tirelessly and to forge their own path, regardless of the challenges they faced.

The lesson from Hayek’s words, O children, is profound and timeless: independence is not a mere gift—it is something that must be earned, something that requires effort, dedication, and the willingness to stand on your own. Just as the ancients valued the strength that came from self-reliance, so too must you embrace the power of work in your own lives. When you earn your own living, you gain not just financial independence, but the freedom to live according to your own values and to shape your destiny. Financial independence is not just about money—it is about the freedom that allows you to make choices, to live without fear of dependency, and to walk through the world with your head held high.

Take this wisdom into your own lives: cultivate the ability to support yourself, to build something from the ground up, and to rely on your own strength and ingenuity. Whether in your studies, your work, or your personal life, seek to earn your own way and to develop a life of independence and self-sufficiency. And as you do, remember that financial independence is not a solitary endeavor, but one that connects you to the greater whole of society, empowering you to contribute to the world around you. Just as Hayek finds joy in the act of working hard for her living, so too will you find fulfillment in the knowledge that you have built your life on your own terms.