When it comes to comparing the rewards of this world -- its powers and pleasures -- to the possibility of realizing spiritual freedom, there is no such thing as the "next best thing." But, as always, each must weigh such considerations for oneself, and prepare to live the consequences of that decision: is it better to "die" a free man or woman, or to live as a foolish one who realizes, too late, that he traded his soul for a servitude made comfortable by constant compromise.