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Thoughts on Free Will
The entire concept of Free Will is an intoxicating terror. History is
littered with the exploits of those who have embraced Free Will, those who have
run screaming from it, and those who have attempted to conqueror and contain it.
Not quite following that? How about if, instead of saying "Free Will", we use
the word "Liberty"?
Liberty may be considered a refinement of Free Will. Let's take a moment and
define the two. Free Will is the concept that every one, every where, every second
of every moment is making Choices. We choose to accept and to work within the
strictures of our societies - or not. We choose to eat - or not. We choose to accept
the decisions of our leaders and our government - or not. We choose to work - or
not. We choose to busy our hands and our minds - or not. We choose to accept the
choices presented to us or to search for new ones. We choose whether or not we
will make a Choice.
On there own, Choices are insignificant. It requires Consequence to provide
that significance. If the outcome was always the same, without regard to the
Choices made, there would be no point to Choosing. Choice would be unnecessary
and we would be no more than cogs in the machinery of the Universe. There is
Consequence, though, and that makes every thinking being - every creature
capable of Choosing - more than just cogs in the machinery. Further exploration
of Consequence, however, is the subject of another article.
So, Free Will is making the Choices. Liberty, as a refinement, embraces the
Consequences of our Choices. It is not just having a strong sense of
responsibility. It is not just acknowledging and accepting the cost of our
Choices. Liberty is the recognition that the act of Choosing is an awesome
display of power. Furthermore, it is the recognition that those who make Choices
are wielding that power.
So, how does that apply to our lives? Let's start answering that with a few
questions.
How many people do you know who disclaim responsibility for their lives? How
many people do you know who say they have no power, their opinions don't matter,
or that they "can't" change their lives? Thinking of these people, how many of
them are content with their lives? How many are happy within their societies?
How many are doing work they enjoy? How many of these "powerless" people want
what they have?
Now, in all honesty, you may find people who are perfectly content to be
powerless. Not everyone is prepared to deal with the consequences of Free Will.
Not everyone is ready to make the hard choices or to accept responsibility for
their lives. Unfortunately, possessing Free Will is the one thing about which we
have no choice. Even by choosing not to Choose we are exercising that Free Will.
How we deal with this possession, with having Free Will, well, on that the
choices are wide open.