We are capable of being changed. Once we are changed in a particular way, it can even lead us to modify our behavior so that we’re changed in that way even more so. And nonetheless, we are not sitting there and exercising free will when we decide. – Robert Sapolsky
Biologist Robert Sapolsky delves into how our biology interacts with our environment to shape our identity, challenging the traditional notion of free will and examining its implications on societal norms and personal success.
Table of Contents
- The Illusory Nature of Free Will
- Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Adaptability
- Biology Trumps Entitlement
- Free Will as a Psychological Mechanism
- Mental Health Implications
- Greater Empathy Through Understanding Randomness
- The Just World Fallacy
- Evolutionary Mismatches
- Destructive Societal Norms
- Skillsets and Hierarchies
- A Utopian Vision
- Self-esteem and Biological Factors
The Illusory Nature of Free Will
People do not exercise free will when they change; instead, they are transformed by circumstances beyond their control.
This perspective challenges widely held beliefs about meritocracy and individual achievement.
Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Adaptability
Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt—supports the idea that external stimuli and internal shifts in perspective can dramatically alter people over time.
Recognizing this can lead to significant improvements in life quality.
