Existentialist philosophers had been very huge on the thought of free will.
They believed that whereas circumstances may restrict your selections, there have been all the time selections to be made.
Existentialists additionally argued that whereas many individuals make a present of loving freedom, most expertise it as a dizzying burden and search each alternative to flee from it. To acknowledge the potential for risk, to countenance your private accountability in each scenario, to take radical accountability to your life, is, in truth, a terrifying prospect.
Confronted with this anxiousness, folks try to slender the scope of their freedom, positing that they’re sure by exterior circumstances to make sure selections; that in such and such a case, their palms are tied.
You may say, for instance:
“I can’t change jobs.”
“I can’t shed extra pounds.”
“I can’t break up along with her.”
“I can’t return to high school.”
“I can’t transfer.”
Existentialists stated that holding these sorts of beliefs constitutes the train of “unhealthy religion.” It’s an act of self-deception, an try to flee accountability to your actions by arguing that just one risk is open to you.
The reality is that you simply can do these items, and an infinite variety of others, however have determined to not. You’re unwilling to face the ache essential to catalyze a change; you want security greater than you dislike the established order; you maintain consolation as the next worth than braveness; you are feeling the potential reward doesn’t exceed the potential threat.
It’s advantageous to make these determinations — in spite of everything, these selections, too, are workout routines of your company. However to be made morally, they have to be made actually. You could face the truth that in selecting to disclaim your freedom, you’ve got solely demonstrated it, and in case you are free to decide on your present path, you’re free to decide on one other.