How Free Is Our Free Will?

Freewill is one thing we all crave and want so badly, probably because we don't want to be held back by any constraints that can bridge our freedom to act or say things as we seem fit. Unfortunately that doesn't mean it is to be the case. Despite the fact that we're being made to understand that we have free will, many are of the opinion that such isn't true because there are a lot of things they want to do but can't because there are deterrents from doing those things. So the question I'd like to respond to is if we truly will or not, and if not, what then do we have that's been painted as free will?

To be honest, despite the fact that I know that there will follow any of our actions or words, I'd still stand with the fact that we've got free will as humans, and that's because we indeed have free will; it's just that the freedom isn't absolute. I'm sure you'll be wondering what I meant by the freedom not being absolute. Well, what I meant is that while we have the freedom to do things, such as talking anyhow or stealing, we don't have the freedom to escape the consequences of what we did or said. This is just a way of letting us know that even though we've got the freedom to do things, we must also recognize that we're not free from the consequences of the choices we make. Especially given the fact that those choices could affect others or society negatively.

There are different scenarios I can paint for you so you can understand better. Take for instance when I tell you you're free to do anything and you immediately go to steal something. Yes, it's part of your freedom, but you should know doing that puts you at risk of going to prison. Or you're free to disobey traffic rules; you should also recognize that doing that could cost you your driving license and make you pay fines and other penalties. While I understand the fact that all of these consequences have made the free will we said we've known is like an elusion, I'd like us to understand that these consequences are necessary for the safety of everyone around us and our society at large. Having free will doesn't mean you should do things that'll negatively affect those around you, and you believe you shouldn't be held accountable for what you did.

It's highly essential for us to understand that whoever we have, we have, we have the freedom to live our lives and do things anyhow we like; we must understand that some of the choices we make come with lifelong consequences. At the end of the day it's not like anyone is stopping you from doing what you want to do; all you need to know is that every action and choice you make comes with the consequences it influences. So try as much as possible to make the right choice even in your free will; you won't in the process of living your life, mere life, and the the future of others.

Overall, all in saying in essence is that the fact that you've the freedom to choose doesn't necessarily mean you've freedom from the consequences of your choices. But then I understand the fact that this topic is a thought-provoking one that can go either way. Especially if we use God as an example, it's said that God has given humans free will, but then, humans are still expected to live by a particular standard, of which if they don't, they'll face consequences for disobedience, and in light of such situations, can we say that humans indeed have absolute free will? My resolve is that we truly do have free will; what we don't have is the freedom to determine the outcomes of our every choice, so make each choice wisely.

All photos are generated using ChatGpt.