I do not believe in freedom of the will. Schopenhauer's words: 'Man can do what he wants, but he cannot will what he wills' accompany me in all situations throughout my life and reconcile me with the actions of others even if they are rather painful to me. This awareness of the lack of freedom of will preserves me from taking too seriously myself and my fellow men as acting and deciding individuals and from losing my temper.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Free will is an illusion; humans act on desires they cannot choose.
- In plain terms
- You can do what you want, but not choose what you want.
- What can you take from it?
- Accepting lack of free will reduces anger at others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you believe you choose your desires?
- How does determinism affect responsibility?
Another view
Many people feel personally responsible for their choices.
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