"对一个人生计的控制就是对他意志的控制"

When someone has control over another person's means of survival, they essentially hold sway over that person's choices and actions. This idea is pretty straightforward: if you depend on someone for your livelihood, you're likely to do what they want to keep that support. It's like having strings attached to your every move.

Now, let's take a step back in time. Think about the feudal system in medieval Europe. Serfs worked the land owned by their lords. These lords provided the serfs with the basics for survival—food, shelter, and protection. Because their subsistence depended on the lords, the serfs had very little freedom. They worked long hours and had to follow the rules set by the lords, no matter how harsh, just to survive. The lords had power over their will because they controlled their livelihood.

Fast forward to today. Imagine you're working a job that you absolutely need because it pays the bills and puts food on your table. Your boss has you in a tight spot. If they ask you to work late or take on a project that's beyond your job description, you might find it hard to say no. Why? Because you need that paycheck. Your subsistence is tied to that job, so your will—your ability to choose freely—is compromised. You’re more likely to comply with demands because you can't afford to lose your source of income.

Here’s a practical tip: strive for financial independence. Build an emergency fund that can cover several months of expenses. If you've got a safety net, you're not as beholden to any one job or person. You can negotiate better, say no when you need to, and even walk away from toxic situations. In essence, you're reclaiming your will because your subsistence isn't controlled by someone else.

To drive the point home, let’s paint a picture. Picture Sarah. She’s in her mid-30s, working as a graphic designer at a small firm. She’s good at her job but feels trapped because her boss is a micromanager and often makes unreasonable demands. Sarah wants to push back, but she’s got rent to pay and a student loan hanging over her head. So she stays late, works weekends, and even skips her sister’s wedding to meet a last-minute deadline.

Then, Sarah makes a decision. She starts saving a portion of her salary each month. It’s tough at first—she skips some dinners out and cuts back on shopping. After a year, she’s got enough saved to cover six months of living expenses. One day, her boss asks her to cancel her vacation to finish a project. This time, Sarah stands her ground. She knows she has a cushion to fall back on. Her boss backs off, and for the first time in years, Sarah feels free. She has power over her own will because she’s no longer entirely dependent on her job for her survival.

In essence, when you're not at the mercy of someone else for your basic needs, you gain the freedom to make choices that align with your true desires and values. That’s the real power—having control over your own will because your subsistence isn't dangled like a carrot in front of you. So, work towards that independence bit by bit. It might just change your life.