As for monogamy and sex, this is subconscious preaching. Infidelity and divorce are two words society seems to hide from couples wishing to marry, yet as we all know they continue to happen. This argument seems to hint of 'just shut up and stop being so greedy and love your spouse and we'll all get along better'. I suspect the author was a pampered young woman who is now trying to set society straight with her enlightened moral views. Sex is good anytime, for anyone: either single, married, or divorced!

The religious-like convictions of websites and self-help books on optimism that fill bookstores are a multi-billion dollar industry that few actually benefit from. The idea of thinking positive as a sole necessity to actual happiness is misleading. Adversity and critical thinking teach us more than hope or faith ever will. Learning and taking risks in life, while making mistakes along the way to significant achievements, are what bring real freedom and joy to life. Happiness is to be earned.

You overlooked the possibility that one can be optimistic, financially independent, AND have no personal life. Workaholics of the world, unite!

1. "…the idea of “financial freedom” means freedom from having to do a job you don’t like. But this thinking comes from the baby boomers who felt compelled to climb ladders doing jobs that destroyed their personal life."

2. "Today you can hold out to get a job you love at the beginning of your career."

Nonsense. The entire article is based on two assumptions that were created out of thin air. Both are sweeping, false generalizations without any basis whatsoever. Both are remarkably simplistic and naive, and the second is downright pollyannaish.

I achieved financial freedom at a relatively young age (51). I can assure you that it has been an incredibly positive, life-changing experience. And you can get there without "destroying your personal life". In fact, the steps one takes to get there generally IMPROVE one's personal life. And you can get there while working in a very meaningful, average paying job that contributes to society, and without any need to "climb ladders". I know, because that's what I did. And the people I know who have achieved financial freedom are among the most highly optimistic people I have ever seen! That's why they were able to achieve financial freedom.

The person who wrote this article wouldn't know any of this, of course, because she hasn't achieved financial freedom (which certainly doesn't stop her from claiming to have expertise on the subject). But if you want to learn something about financial freedom, ask someone who has done it.

Bottom line: Don't believe a word of this nonsense about financial freedom being outdated or undesirable – or that "optimism" is somehow a replacement for freedom. It is a real contradiction to declare that "optimism" will somehow enable one to embrace the specter of dying at one's desk. What is being peddled as "optimism" is actually defeatism and negativity.

There is an incredible world out there for those who have the time to embrace it. Take it from someone who is living it… never underestimate the desirability of financial freedom.

My "good" medical coverage doesn't come close to covering my bills!

My New Husband didn't realize ( I was just into remission so I didn't realize the lifetime expense) marrying me meant on HIS CREDIT RATING!!!!!!!

My advice is I would have never married him if I knew what my CANCER BILLS would do to his credit rating!