Birds raised in a cage…think flying is a disease.
—Winston Churchill

 

This month, I was dismayed to hear of the cancellation of a school speech at my old high school in New Plymouth.

According to the Free Speech Union (FSU):

Oliver was successful early in the competition and made it to the finals for his year group alongside two other students but was later barred without warning from the competition based on the content of his speech.

Apparently, the speech addressed topics such as religion, gender roles, and immigration.

Last I heard, the FSU — representing the student — was considering legal redress against the school.

I listened to the speech courtesy of The Platform. In my view, it is one-sided on the matter of immigration. But whether you agree or disagree with the opinions, it is of good quality.

Which brings me to the point.

Achieving financial freedom depends on having other freedoms. In particular, the ability to set goals that will not be restrained by the society around you.

Since growing up in the 1980s, the bar on freedom has become higher:

  • Opinions outside the narrative get cancelled, and people are afraid to speak out.
  • Compliance constricts many industries far more than it used to.
  • Home ownership is so much more expensive. The freedom it once gave is denied, except to the affluent.
  • Selection in some areas is no longer based on merit, but on matters of race or diversity that is outside of what an individual can control.

Thanks to the FSU, a new government, and others, there is now a stronger pushback against these forces.

 

Memorial gate, NPBHS. Source: Archives NZ/Flickr

 

When I was at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, under the leadership of the principal — the late Tom Ryder — a great education was had. Everyone stood on their merits. Success was celebrated. You were free to set limitless goals and achieve them.

In the fourth form, our business-studies teacher invited an American entrepreneur who was visiting town to come and speak to the class. He had built a large business back in the States and was a multimillionaire.

‘I come from quite a humble background,’ he told us. ‘But I discovered one thing in the early part of my career. If you want to succeed, you need to set goals. You won’t hit any targets you’re not aiming at.’

This was a life-changing message. Particularly for straightforward Taranaki boys, as we were. My understanding of goals then was dropping a few jerseys to mark soccer fields.

I did set some real goals.

Looking back, over more than 35 years now, to my amazement, they have all been achieved. Beyond what I could have hoped for.

So today’s subject is about investment goals.

To my mind, the best investing goal is financial freedom.

 

 Image by Sofia Cristina Córdova Valladares from Pixabay

 

I can’t remove restrictions on free speech, or business activity, or talent selection in these strange days.

But I can produce passive income that allows a nice lifestyle anywhere. And you can too…

 

Your first Quantum Wealth Report is waiting for you:

⚡🌎 Start Your Subscription: NZ$37.00 / monthly

⚡🌎 Start Your Subscription: US$24.00 / monthly