And 7 years Luffy would do the same thing.
The character wants to be the freest in the world, but what will he do with that freedom? Same things you do at home? Win toys and try different types of meat? What is the purpose of this devotion to freedom that he has? Well, it's not like he's an intellectual who wants ultimate freedom to explore the world, or a great conqueror. He's just a brave idiot and it's over.