Is self-sufficiency important to you? Why or why not?

1. 67

   Ricki-Lee Keeleyposted 7 years ago

   Is self-sufficiency important to you? Why or why not?

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2. 83

   gmwilliamsposted 7 years ago

   
   
   A resounding yes.  I believe in self-sufficiency, making & earning one's own way.  I don't believe in handouts nor depending upon family members to financially support me.  I believe that when one is independent, one really owns life.  People who are dependent upon others are beholden to others in many ways.  Others can dictate what they can do because they hold the purse strings.  Independence & self-sufficiency are the ultimate power, believe it or not. 
   
   My motto is that no one owes anyone anything & that each tub sits on its own bottom.  People should not have to support grown folks.  No one is entitled to what another person has.  If a person want the good life, h/she should organize, strategize, & work for it.  Also, h/she shouldn't make stupid lifestyle that would imperil being self-sufficient.
   
   So many people are entitled this days- they want handouts & to be rescued by others, if not by the government then by more successful family members.  People who expect handouts & rescuing by others are selfish.  If they want help, they should look at the end of their arms.  Ask not what others can do for you, ask what you can do for yourself & act accordingly!  If more people adopted the self-sufficient philosophy, America as a country would be much richer & taxes would be lower.

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3. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 7 years ago

   
   
   Absolutely!
   If you have to rely on others to get by then you have to play by (their) rules. This is one of the reasons why I believe one isn't officially an adult until they no longer rely on their parents to pay their bills or bail them out. Parents shouldn't be viewed as:
   "Human ATM machines".
   The goal of any parent should be to produce a responsible self-reliant contributing member to our society.
   With financial independence one takes charge of their own life with pride. "He who has the gold makes the rules."
   Having "F-you money" and being able to walk away is powerful.

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   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      You're correct.  If I have to financially support an able-bodied adult, you bet h/she will play by MY rules & I will be harsh! Those who're independent, OWN.Those who're dependent, are OWNED. Either one OWNS or is OWNED.Which ONE would you rather

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   2. 57

      Deslandresposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Generally speaking, no one is a human ATM. However, there does come a time when there will be a situation when you just can't handle something on your own and you absolutely need extra help. It's just part of life just part of life

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4. 73

   manatita44posted 7 years ago

   No Ricky, it isn't. Looked at from one view point, it can mean that one is trying to be one's own Team-player. Most games need a Team, no? The flower garden has tulips, roses, sunflowers and so forth, all with their different fragrances, but enhancing the beauty of the garden. Have a read of this visionary Seer:
   
   "In my philosophy I only want to be God's Compassion-sufficient. That is my prayer to God. People who try to be self-sufficient in the financial field, the spiritual field or any other field will never be happy. People who try to be self-sufficient on the physical, vital or psychic plane, or on any other plane, are bound to be miserable." - Sri Chinmoy.
   
   I go to my door in the morning and collect milk. I rely on the milkman, who relies on his truck, with petrol and water and in full working order. Again, he relies on the farmer who relies on the cow, who relies on the Earth for it's sustainance. You get my drift?
   
   "You are projecting the future with your mind and saying, "If I become this, then I will get that." But you may not get it, or there may be something else that will sidetrack you and push you away from your goal. You may think, "Perhaps this is not the right thing, so let me do something else," and you will become unhappy again.
   
   Again, even if you do what you wanted to do and become what you wanted to become, still you will not be happy, because these things will not bring you the security and happiness that you expected."- Sri Chinmoy.
   
   So my friend, no, self-sufficiency is not important to me, as I feel that it will affect my sense of oneness, identification and harmony, and I will lose my inner joy. Much Love.

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5. 87

   tamarawilhiteposted 7 years ago

   If it is being able to live single and self-sufficiently economically, everyone should have those skills. You can't rely on a state to provide for you when it could then demand labor in return for caring for you (slavery) or simply cut off the benefits (and you starve or learn to become independent). And you can't live dependent on others all your life - you'll fall when they won't carry you any longer. Society as a whole fails if we fail to raise enough people to carry the burden, and there are always children as a burden until they are self sufficient adults.
   If referring to living alone in the woods off the grid, that's a little extreme.

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   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      SMART woman, this statement is SPOT ON!!!!!!!

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   2. 57

      Deslandresposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      No one is an ATM. However, there are times when there are situations you just can't handle on your own and you absolutely need temporary help, it's a fact. Appreciate the help but don't take advantage of people

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6. 56

   JJ McHaleposted 7 years ago

   Ricki,  There are numerous branches to the tree of self-sufficiency.  In how many of those various ways is it advisable to be self-sufficient and in how many is it absolutely necessary to survival, or success or fulfillment?
   Starting with the premise that after a particular age, hopefully we've learned we are responsible for our own life, behavior, actions, words etc.  It is always advisable to reach a point of being able to safely care for our basic needs. Throughout our life there will arise situations that require we can benefit by reliance on other human beings for sustaining life.
   For instance, we can be health conscious and do all the best things for our body to be strong & full of energy.  However, when illness or injury strike, we use common sense and seek medical help from those who are in the field of medicine.
   Self-sufficiency in a monetary sense is an integral necessity in terms of our lifestyle and to enhance basic comforts. 
   Keeping ourselves safe, secure, educated, healthy and valuable to others is the best way to not only be self-sufficient, but to accept that we all may and should help one another in an equal give & take manner.
   Yes, this is very important to me and it should be to all human beings of able body & mind.

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   1. 83

      gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent points made here, sir.  Also, welcome to HubPages.  It is so good to have another intelligent person here!

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   2. 56

      JJ McHaleposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Miss Grace.I'm hoping I can add my talents here in a positive way.I'm impressed w/ the hubs of numerous writers here.I must also admit to being a bit put off by some of the "misuse" of this site by individuals w/ a blatant agenda.

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