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We’re All Slaves. Why Not Be a Slave to Life?
There is this saying that freedom isn’t free. That’s to say freedom doesn’t come without effort. This is especially the case in a world that is built on power and oppression. To receive freedom, one must commit to it, disregarding any temptation to oppress others while searching for our own.
I understand the paradox in this title. I also understand that many people will be put off by saying that we need to be slaves to anything. One thing we need to take into account when talking about slavery is that the American slavery experience isn’t the only experience. There is a lot of stigma when using the word.
The Humility in Slavery
A slave has no self. They really have no dignity because they have no property. They were treated as property. Slaves have no rights, no freedom, and no need to ponder on things like life’s purpose. Slaves are dependent on the one who owns them. To believe that you are not a slave in this world of perceived free will would be incorrect. We are owned by the perceptions of others We are owned by our status in our community and our perceived dignity. Our jobs are on us. We are even owned by inanimate objects like houses, cars, and other things we think we own, but must be maintained. The thing about being a willing slave is the knowledge that we have a choice as to what we want to be slaves to. It also comes with the knowledge that one cannot serve two masters.
Knowing what you want to be a slave to comes with understanding the relationship that one has with his master. Slavery isn’t a blanket evil for all that were involved. People are going to come with their pitchforks for me saying this, but slavery also comes with benefits such as a familial environment, food, shelter, and safety. It truly believed in the owner.
The Good Master
We have to trust our owners. Many people put their trust in the economy, the government, a politician, an ideology, or an occupation only to eventually realize their owner has failed them. A slave knows that a good slave owner prioritizes the slave’s well-being. If we are the slaves of Life, we trust that whatever happens to us will culminate into what is good for us. In this case, we understand that even when negativity arrives, even when we feel as though we are being punished, we can endure because we realize that Life only has its best interest for us.
The Myth of Sacrifice
I think we subconsciously know this. When we put considerable effort into something we call it a sacrifice because we have no guarantee that our efforts will promote our well-being. We’d like to believe they do, but there are times when they do not. We see it in the person who works overtime and weekends believing that their hard work will result in a promotion. It turns into frustration when that promotion doesn’t seem like it’s ever coming.
The long hours are harming our physical health while the misplaced expectations are harming our mental health. All this is because we are a slave to authority’s idea of productivity. Even if we were to get that promotion, it only means more work, more responsibility, and possibly longer hours if that was the prerequisite needed to receive the promotion in the first place. There’s essentially no point in this type of suffering.
Your company’s priority will always be profit as that’s the lifeblood of the company. People can be and are replaced at any time. Just look at the layoff news. Why give your all to anything in which you don’t see a clear source of care for yourself and those around you? Your goals don’t care about you. The rules that you abide by don’t care about you. What you believe to be success milestones in life don’t care about you. Why do we allow ourselves to be owned by these ideas?
Loving What Can Be Loved
Let’s contrast this with the example of taking care of a puppy. For many of us, a puppy in the house produces nothing but pee and poop. We like to think that we are their owners, but when you think about it, it’s quite the other way around. We are the ones to clean after a puppy, we feed them, we bathe them, and we take them out to be exercised. Financially, we pay for their doctor visits, medicine, and any specialized food that they need. All this to please our puppy. Why do we put up with all of this?
We do because we know that our puppy will always be excited for us when we open the door. No matter our mood, the licks of a puppy will always cheer us up. Even if we forget about them, neglect them, or treat them harshly, we know that we will always receive unconditional love in return. In this way, we are a willing slave to our puppies. It makes it easier to see how we become willing slaves to the things we love. It’s one thing to say you love your puppy, but another to say you love money. How can we love money when money has no capability of loving you back? If we don’t choose to be slaves to what we love, we will choose to be slaves to what we fear. We don’t love money. We’re afraid of the idea of poverty.
Time to Put on New Shackles
So how do we become slaves to Life. A better question is how to do we choose to become slaves to Life. The answer is quite simple. It’s submitting to Life. It’s surrender and acceptance. To do this, one must first trust that this life that we live only wants to best for us. Just like taking care of a puppy, any struggles that come with living is the price we pay for the love that we receive while we live. To be a slave to Life, we must do what is pleasing to Life. You can look at your life to understand what is pleasing to you and to others. We all want happiness, joy, love, excitement, and peace. When you hear the statement, “I just want to live!!!” what do you think will accomplish this? Do that. If we are creating this in our life, we are a great servant to that which wants to Life and Life abundantly.
Questions and Responses
What does it mean to be a “slave to life”?
Being a “slave to life” means willingly submitting to the natural flow of life, embracing both its joys and challenges with trust and acceptance. It involves recognizing that while we are often controlled by our jobs, status, possessions, or societal norms, we have the power to choose what we commit to and how we perceive our relationship with life. This concept is about consciously choosing to serve what aligns with our values and well-being.
How can we find freedom in submitting to something?
True freedom comes from consciously choosing what we want to submit to rather than letting external pressures dictate our lives. By understanding that we will inevitably serve something—whether it’s our work, status, or personal values—we can decide to commit to things that nurture our well-being and align with our deepest desires. This intentional submission frees us from the anxiety of trying to meet every expectation and allows us to live more authentically.
Why is the idea of “being a slave” often met with resistance?
The concept of “slavery” is deeply tied to historical and social injustices, particularly the brutal and dehumanizing experiences of American slavery. Because of this, any mention of slavery usually carries negative connotations. However, the article aims to explore the term in a different context—one of choosing what we allow to control us. Here, it’s about surrendering to what brings us joy and fulfillment rather than being enslaved by societal pressures, fear, or materialism.
What does it mean to be a “willing slave” to something?
Being a “willing slave” means consciously choosing to devote ourselves to what we love and value. It’s the idea of commitment with purpose and intention, like how we care for pets or loved ones. When we choose to serve things that bring us joy, love, or meaning, our actions become less about obligation and more about fulfillment. In this way, we transform the idea of slavery into an act of love and devotion.
How can being a “slave to the economy” or “slave to success” be harmful?
When we become slaves to external factors like the economy or success, we allow them to dictate our self-worth, actions, and well-being. This often leads to burnout, frustration, and feelings of emptiness because these forces do not inherently care about our personal happiness. The constant chase for money, status, or promotions can leave us sacrificing our health, relationships, and true desires. It’s a never-ending cycle that prioritizes societal standards over our individual well-being.
How does serving what we love differ from serving what we fear?
Serving what we love is an act of devotion that brings joy, fulfillment, and peace. When we willingly commit to things that resonate with our values and desires, we experience a sense of purpose. Conversely, serving what we fear stems from anxiety and insecurity, often leading to stress, exhaustion, and dissatisfaction. For example, taking care of a pet out of love brings happiness, while obsessively chasing money out of fear of poverty creates anxiety.
What is the “myth of sacrifice” in the context of pursuing success?
The “myth of sacrifice” refers to the belief that hard work and self-sacrifice will always result in a reward, such as a promotion or recognition. This mindset sets unrealistic expectations because success is not guaranteed despite our efforts. When the reward doesn’t come, it leads to frustration and a sense of betrayal. The article suggests that instead of sacrificing ourselves for uncertain outcomes, we should choose commitments that genuinely nurture our well-being.
How can trusting “Life” as our “owner” lead to a more fulfilling existence?
Trusting “Life” as our owner means surrendering to life’s natural flow, believing that every experience—good or bad—serves a purpose in our growth. When we trust that life has our best interests at heart, we can navigate challenges with resilience and openness. This mindset shifts our focus from chasing external validation to finding peace in simply living and embracing the journey. In doing so, we become slaves to life’s joys and lessons, rather than slaves to societal pressures.
How do we choose what to be “slaves” to in our lives?
Choosing what to be “slaves” to involves reflection on what genuinely brings us joy, love, and fulfillment. It means identifying our values and desires and aligning our actions with them. By understanding what we want to commit to—whether it’s nurturing relationships, pursuing creative passions, or contributing to our community—we take control over what “owns” us. The key is to serve what adds meaning to our lives rather than blindly following societal norms or fears.
How does accepting our role as “slaves to life” change our perspective on daily struggles?
Accepting our role as “slaves to life” means embracing the idea that challenges and struggles are a natural part of existence. This acceptance allows us to view difficulties as necessary for our growth and well-being, much like how caring for a pet involves both joy and responsibility. When we stop resisting life’s ups and downs and instead serve life with trust, we cultivate resilience, patience, and a deeper sense of purpose.
What does it mean to “put on new shackles”?
“Putting on new shackles” refers to the conscious choice to commit to values, activities, and relationships that enrich our lives. It’s about replacing the constraints of societal expectations, fear, or materialism with commitments that align with our true desires. This act of choosing our “shackles” empowers us to serve what brings us love, joy, and fulfillment, rather than being enslaved by forces that don’t have our best interests at heart.
Why do we become “slaves” to things like money, status, or possessions?
We become slaves to things like money, status, or possessions because society often equates them with success, security, and self-worth. Fear of poverty, failure, or judgment drives us to pursue these goals relentlessly, often at the cost of our happiness and well-being. However, these pursuits rarely reciprocate our devotion, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled. The article suggests that instead of being slaves to these external forces, we should commit to what genuinely brings joy and peace.
How can loving and caring for something, like a pet, illustrate the concept of willing slavery?
Caring for a pet demonstrates willing slavery because it involves selfless acts of devotion and responsibility. We invest time, effort, and resources into their well-being, not out of obligation, but out of love. Despite the work it requires, the joy and unconditional love we receive in return makes the commitment worthwhile. This example illustrates how being a “slave” to what we love can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
How do we know if we are serving the right “master”?
We know we are serving the right “master” when our commitments bring us a sense of joy, peace, and fulfillment, even in the face of challenges. The right “master” aligns with our values, nurtures our well-being, and fosters growth. If we feel constant anxiety, emptiness, or burnout, it might be a sign that we are serving something that does not truly care for us or align with our true desires.
What steps can we take to become willing “slaves to life”?
To become willing “slaves to life,” we need to:
– Reflect: Consider what brings joy, fulfillment, and meaning to your life.
– Choose: Decide to commit to values, relationships, and activities that align with your true self.
– Trust: Embrace life’s natural flow, trusting that every experience has a purpose for your growth.
– Let Go: Release the need for constant control, success, or validation from external sources.
– Serve: Devote yourself to nurturing love, joy, and peace in your life and in the lives of others.
By following these steps, we can align our lives with what truly matters, finding freedom and fulfillment in the process.