In a deterministic universe, every action arises from preceding causes. While the cosmos propels us with relentless precision, it is through our beliefs that we carve out a space for agency. Beliefs shape perceptions and guide our path in this material world, becoming the substance that allows us to steer the course of our lives. Belief is our tool in a universe where outcomes may seem preordained. It enables us to act with intention and forge connections that give life meaning. Even if our choices are the products of causality, the act of choosing what we believe influences all future actions. Through belief, we assert our individuality; without it, we are left only with our biology, driven by the mechanisms of inevitability. 418
We choose our partners, have children, and pray they will grow up to be better than us. We compete for a better mate, and in one way or the other all progress is shaped by our vision of reproductive success. Our struggle to dominate motivates evolution and shapes the fabric of our civilization. Language first, then reading and writing emerge, now if you can't communicate you are less competitive. Each passing day more knowledge is required to compete. Complexity increases, with each generation, repeated generation after generation, with each step being more complex than the previous. Our epoch, place, language and civilization is imposed on us, our desire is imposed on us. Progress is pushed by sexual motivation, one generation causing the formation of the next, both causal and deterministic. Do we have free will, or is free will an illusion? 359
Who can deny we are animals? We choose our partners, have children, and pray they will grow up to be better than us. We compete for a better mate, and in one way or the other all progress is shaped by our vision of reproductive success. Our struggle to dominate motivates evolution and shapes the fabric of our civilization. Language first, then reading and writing emerge, now if you can't communicate you are less competitive. Each passing day more knowledge is required to compete. Complexity increases, with each generation, repeated generation after generation, with each step being more complex than the previous. Our epoch, place, language and civilization is imposed on us, our desire is imposed on us. Progress is pushed by sexual motivation, one generation causing the formation of the next, both causal and deterministic. Do we have free will, or is free will an illusion? 359
SHORT Evolution from Embryo to Baby, Young to Old, from Stone Age to Today The meaning of life can be mostly seen in our evolution, and the quality of our lives is proportionate to the quality of our evolution.
While some may seek different sources of meaning, the concept of evolution provides a broad framework for understanding our place in reality. A journey of evolution that requires the effort of lifelong learning and growth, however, this perspective on the meaning of life may not satisfy everyone, for the unsatisfied require faith in an afterlife. Yet, I find the afterlife an excuse for not making the effort to examine life fully. Nonetheless, even without having a meaning for life, each individual lives and identifies with his community. If religious, he is given and accepts some sort of faith-based explanation for creation, powers of good and evil, along with laws or rules of conduct to live by. The individual, completely unaware, will then participate in deterministic behavior based on a belief which is derived from the social norm of the community, and period they belong to. "The morality of the individual, then, consists in his fulfilling the duties of his social position". General Introduction to the Philosophy of History , G.W.F. Hegel (N-2-1) 352
SHORT 2-11-purposeandfunction-freewill-short.mp4 FREE WILL IS AN ILLUSION.The average human body contains around 37.2 trillion cells.These cells tell you when your sick, who to love, and what to do.You have no control over your cells.Your brain makes you think you are you. But, you need a language to put stuff in that brain.and then we need experiences to think about. We don't choose either our language or the experiences that form us.What you are doing right now and where you are, was determined by your past. The two big words for this are: Causality and Determinism. If who you are totally on depends biology, and location. DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU HAVE FREE WILL?
We have one life and one chance to live virtuously, so please lead a principled and meaningful existence.
