This is indeed true. Sadly, it's not a reality for everyone though. For single folks without families to support - this is much more easily achieved. Certain sacrifices are required, savings is essential while you navigate the realities of freelancing/starting a business/generating (online)sustainable  income...but it all changes once you have a kid and a family. 

Many people w/ families and dependents are trapped because they don't have the luxury of escaping their 9-5 (or in the case of my nurse friend, the graveyard shift) - perhaps due to lack of formal education (total BS, but a reality). Depending where they live - rents + food can take up most of their income and saving can be impossible.  It's even harder when one person is the 'breadwinner'.   Letting the babies starve is not an option :-/

Capitalism is that tricky double edged sword - it's not all bad. Steemit wouldn't be here if not for Capitalism. There are good guys too - of course, they often get lost beneath all the greedy ones. In my younger days, socialism seemed like the answer (before I had to pay taxes lol) - but it also has it flaws. 

You put it perfectly "people should understand that it's their economy, not the economy, and that they have to provide for themselves." Self-sufficiency is freedom - create your own reality!