I Chose to Become a Stray Cat: The Philosophy of FIRE and the 'Price of Freedom'

This article is the original draft for the following article already published. ↓↓↓

Introduction

When I walk through the park, the usual stray cats are there. They are strangely accustomed to people and don't run away when I approach. They curl up next to the bench, relaxing with a look that says, 'This is my living room, you know?'

And then there are the people who come to feed them every day. People throwing bread to pigeons, people distributing cat food to the cats. To be honest, seeing that makes me a little uncomfortable. If you like cats, you should just keep one. You should take them into your home and take responsibility for them until the end.
Picking out only the cute parts, just giving them food, and not taking on the weight of a life. That 'convenience' is something that really bothers me.
As I watch the cats while thinking about such things, a question suddenly arises.

Between a house cat and a stray cat, which one is happier?

The happiness of a house cat and what is given up in exchange

A house cat is stable. Food appears at a set time every day, and they are sheltered from the rain and wind. If they get sick, they can receive treatment. There is no need to tremble from hunger or endure the cold.
However, in exchange, their range of movement is limited. They spend their whole lives within a set space. It is a way of life that trades 'freedom' for 'safety'.

The happiness of a stray cat and what is shouldered in exchange

On the other hand, a stray cat is different.
Food is not guaranteed. Injuries and illnesses are basically one's own responsibility. Every day is uncertain, and even today's meal is not decided.
Even so, they are free. They decide for themselves where to go and what to do. It is a way of life that trades 'stability' for 'freedom'.

And I realize. This also applies to humans.

The way of life as a company employee is, so to speak, a 'house cat'.
A salary is paid every month, there is social insurance, and the organization protects you to some extent when you are in trouble. There is a general affairs department, and there are rules.
However, time and actions are restricted. There is a commute, there is a boss, and there are unreasonable instructions.

On the other hand, the choice of FIRE is closer to a 'stray cat'.
You do not belong to an organization. Income is not guaranteed. If something happens, no one will help you.
Everything is your own responsibility.
But in exchange—there is no unpleasant commute. There is no power harassment. There is no unreasonable boss.
You can decide for yourself how to use your time and how to live.

Which is happier depends on the person

For those who value stability, a house cat is probably happier. For those who want to choose freedom even if it is uncertain, a stray cat feels more right.

What is important is not 'which is correct', but which one you choose for yourself.

I chose to be a stray cat

In exchange for everything being my own responsibility, I can decide everything for myself.
That way of life suits me now.
I think about it while watching the stray cats I see in the park.
Are they also in that place by their own will? I don't know.
But there is one thing I can say—
At the very least, I am here because I chose to be.

I am a stray cat.

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