The 'tests of God' refers to the belief that hardships and difficulties in life only exist to test one's spiritual and emotional strength. In religious traditions that believe that this life sanctifies us for life after death, "tests of God" are necessary to achieve that ends.

Liberal democracies refer to democratic nations founded on liberal principles including individual freedom and the belief that everyone is equal under the law. Examples of liberal democracies includes Canada, the UK, Japan, etc.

Containing in this context would mean limiting their influence.

Early retirement is a situation in which a person stops working earlier than at the usual retirement age.  The narrative prioritizes very hard work early that is traded for extended non-working time before 65.