The war on drugs is wrong both tactically and morally. It assumes that people are too stupid too reckless and too irresponsible to decide whether and under what conditions to consume drugs. The war on drugs is morally bankrupt.
Despise the enemy strategically but take him seriously tactically.
Once you accept your own death all of a sudden you're free to live. You no longer care about your reputation. You no longer care except so far as your life can be used tactically to promote a cause you believe in.
As far as feeling freedom in my career now versus five years ago... I think if I feel any more free it's simply because of the experiences that I've had and the wisdom I've accumulated from that time.