Freedom and choice
Freedom and choice
idea
Recognise free will is an illusion and reap the emotional benefits
The idea that all our choices are determined by past events may seem dispiriting – but it can be emotionally liberating
by Francis Merson
Freedom and choice
idea
The three reasons why it’s good for you to believe in free will
Regardless of whether humans do or don’t have free will, psychological research shows it’s beneficial to act as if you do
by Kennon Sheldon
Freedom and choice
guide
How to think about free will
You can’t escape cause and effect, but there is a way of viewing human agency that is motivating, plausible and humane
by Julian Baggini
Happiness
film
Pierre is French, but loves his adopted home in Greenland. Can he stay?
Directed by Nicholas Jones
Freedom and choice
idea
Why not driving is my own form of resistance
As romantic petrochemical-fuelled narratives slip into the past, I’ve found my own kind of freedom in a life without a car
by Vicky Grut
Parenting and families
idea
I’m childfree by choice. Should I feel guilty about ending my line?
My uterus is not my ancestors’ vessel for future progeny. What’s the impact of my choice on my family’s genetic lineage?
by Starre Vartan
Goals and motivation
guide
How to know what you really want
From career choices to new purchases, use René Girard’s mimetic theory to resist the herd and forge your own path in life
by Luke Burgis
Freedom and choice
film
Pablo has a simple dream – to spread joy. But the reality is more complicated
Directed by Daniel Ifans
Food and drink
idea
What our fantasies about futuristic food say about us
Once ‘future foods’ were powdered and automatic, but times change and today they have become about speed and social justice
by Kelly Alexander
The body and physical health
idea
I chose to go flat after breast cancer surgery. I have no regrets
Breast reconstruction following surgery to remove cancer owes more to the cosmetic industry than to medical science
by Sarah Cretch
Food and drink
film
Founding the ‘world’s best’ restaurant made Sally happy. So did selling it
Directed by Ben Proudfoot