Do you have this luxury?

OK here goes, Old Jack is going to dig in deep on this one.

What items can be considered a luxury? I guess that would depend on who you are and where you are.

Living in the United States, I fear we consider many luxuries to be necessities. When I was a young child, my family did just fine without many of today’s modern luxuries such as cell phones, expensive cars, personal computers, etc.

I try to observe a minimalist approach in daily living, but perhaps our society, and many companies, have forced these items to become necessities in the U.S. to succeed. In other parts of the world, they are still luxuries for many.

I can choose not to own these devices now, but for how long?

The “things” are not the luxury. Choice is. In some places that luxury does not exist.

Choice is simply, shall I take this path? Choose a career or job I would like to pursue, dress as I like, choose my beliefs, live the values that fit my personality?

In some places you have the option, in others it is quietly being taken away or is available to a few.

Are choice and freedom the same? I say they are not.

Choice: you are presented with at least two doors. Both are unlocked. Choose one.

Freedom: One door opens when you try the knob, the other is locked. Feel free to enter the open door!