Free Will

Inspired by the engaging discussion between Nate Hagens and Robert Sapolsky, I’ve decided to crystallize some thoughts on the topic that have been percolating for some time.

Sapolsky asserts that free will is essentially a product of an individual’s long-term and short-term histories, which shape biases and neurochemistry. He argues that the environment fundamentally determines one’s free will.

Throughout my life, I’ve encountered pivotal moments that have radically altered my familiar environments. These new settings were not mere extensions of the old ones but represented fundamental shifts outside of my control.

These transformative environments expanded the range of potential states for my neurochemistry, thereby amplifying the scope of my free will. Over time, I actively sought such shifts to further broaden my free will’s range.

With enough transformative experiences, a feedback loop could emerge, enabling us to not only expand but also steer the scope of our free will.