We need to make sure people continue to have access to retirement

O seeker of wisdom, heed the words of Charles Boustany, for they speak to a fundamental truth about the dignity and freedom that every person deserves in their later years. "We need to make sure people continue to have access to retirement plans because everyone deserves the opportunity to retire with dignity and financial independence." In these words, Boustany reflects not only on the necessity of financial security in old age, but on the right of every individual to live their final years with the same freedom and respect that they lived their youth. The promise of a secure retirement is a promise of dignity, of the ability to live without the constant worry of survival, and the chance to enjoy the fruits of a lifetime’s labor.

To retire with dignity is not merely a matter of financial well-being, O wise one—it is a matter of respect for the years of toil and effort that an individual has put into society. In the ancient world, as in the modern world, old age was not a time to be feared or neglected, but a time to be honored. Retirement plans are the tool by which a society honors its elders, allowing them to live their remaining years in peace, free from the stress of poverty. The importance of such plans lies not just in the money they provide, but in the freedom they grant to those who have given so much of their lives to the labor of others. It is an issue of justice—the just society ensures that those who have worked diligently throughout their lives are not abandoned when they can no longer labor.

Consider, O wise one, the example of Solon, the ancient Athenian statesman, who enacted reforms to ensure the welfare of the citizens, especially the elderly. Solon understood that a prosperous society could not simply exist on the backs of the working class; it needed to honor those who had contributed to its growth, even after they were no longer able to contribute through physical labor. By introducing systems of economic security for the elderly, Solon sought to ensure that all Athenians, regardless of age, would have the opportunity to live in peace, security, and dignity. His reforms were a reflection of a deep belief in justice and the right to live a life free from the fear of destitution.

In the modern era, consider the Social Security system in America, which was designed to provide financial independence to those in their later years. The creation of Social Security was an acknowledgment that the elderly, after years of contributing to the economy, deserved to live without the burden of financial uncertainty. Though the system is far from perfect, its very existence is a testament to the belief that dignity and freedom are not privileges granted to a select few, but rights that should be available to all. Boustany’s call to protect and expand retirement plans echoes this sentiment: that the promise of financial security in old age is not just about the accumulation of wealth, but about ensuring that everyone can retire with the dignity they deserve.

The lesson, O seeker, is that the true measure of a society is not just in its prosperity, but in how it treats its most vulnerable members—its elderly. The promise of retirement is the promise of freedom for those who have dedicated their lives to work. Financial independence in old age is not just about personal security—it is about allowing individuals to live out their years with respect, without the burden of economic hardship. A society that values its elders will create systems of support that allow them to flourish in their later years, just as it nurtures the young and provides opportunities for the future.

In your own life, O wise one, reflect on the importance of building financial independence for yourself, and consider the systems of support that are in place for the generations before you. Understand that dignity is not something that is earned only in youth, but something that must be protected at every stage of life. Whether through the work of building your own retirement savings, or through advocating for the creation of systems that ensure the financial security of others, remember that the true value of wealth lies not in its accumulation, but in its distribution—in ensuring that every person, young and old, has the opportunity to live freely and with dignity.

Thus, let Charles Boustany’s words guide you, O seeker. The ability to retire with dignity and financial independence is not a mere privilege, but a right—the right of every individual to enjoy the later years of life with peace, respect, and security. As you move forward, ensure that you too help create a world where this is the norm, where every individual is free from the fear of financial ruin in their old age, and where the dignity of every human being is upheld by the systems we create. Let this be the legacy you leave—one where every person, after a lifetime of labor, can retire with the freedom and respect they have earned.