Posted by Ev on October 01, 1999 at 08:35:31:
In Reply to: Re: the aristocrat, the bohemian, and thoughts on chicken soup posted by Aen on October 01, 1999 at 05:19:33:
: Ev,
: I may be off the point here, but it seems that you (and johnmerrick) are suggesting that “free will” can only be used if there are certain number of options available. Have I understood you correctly? If so, then please advise me what you consider the minimum number of options necessary?
: Aen
Hello Aen,
I believe that you've misunderstood the point I'm trying to make. Or, possibly, you've understood the point and just disagree. Either way, I'll try to clear things up.
I can't speak for Johnmerrick but I think he and I agree on this point. I never said that there must be a "certain number of options available" before man can exercise his will. All I said was that no matter how badly you want a thing, and exercise your will toward its attainment, there ARE external factors present which may thwart you in attaining said goal. To say that I can accomplish anything my heart desires because I can conceive it and will it to happen is to greatly overstep man's ability to impact the outside world. I never said that a person couldn't think whatever they please. They can most certainly do so. They can also think or dream of options which are just not available to them.
Ev