Money has value because people think it does, but also because it represents economic value. Once you can buy enough economic output to sit at the top of maslow's triangle then you're free to pursue whatever arbitrary things you please.

It's not an abstract concept, it's a cold hard fact that's held true for centuries.

Not really. Having money and working for myself means that I don't have to take orders from a boss or a manager that tells me I need to work another holiday or weekend..only because of their own incompetence.

I can also take vacations when I want (which doesn't happen as much..because I do need to run a business) and I don't have to request a day off when I'm sick.

This is freedom to me, even though it is based on a piece of paper that's worth is only in someone's mind.

This is what I have been working on..for the last 8+ years and achieved it last year.