Freedom and choice

Self-knowledge and personal growth Relationships, work and leisure Values and ethical living

Photo of a masked officer talking to two seated people outside Les Deux Magots cafe in Paris.

Freedom and choice

idea

In a pandemic we learn again what Sartre meant by being free

What the Nazi occupation was for Sartre, the COVID-19 pandemic is for us: an opportunity to relearn what it means to be free

by Julian Baggini

Photo of an elderly man with grey hair in front of a bookshelf filled with colourful books.

Thinkers and theories

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To Karl Jaspers, uncertainty is not to be overcome but understood

The existentialist Karl Jaspers believed uncertainty ungirds human existence: better to recognise this than rage against it

by Carmen Lea Dege

Photo of a woman leaning on a red pillar in a subway station as a train speeds by in a blur.

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

A naked young woman walking on a rippled sandy beach towards the sea, clear blue water and distant islands in view.

Freedom and choice

film

For Lucy, surviving on a remote island was hard, but returning was harder

Directed by Jesper Wachtmeister

Photo of an antique celestial globe with brass armillary sphere detailing constellations on a decorative background.

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

Photo of a person diving into an ice hole on a frozen river landscape with ice chunks and distant trees visible.

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

Photo of glass doors with push handles leading outside. A blurred car is visible through the doors.

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

Mountain biker in orange gear riding at sunset on a dirt trail in a desert landscape with sandstone cliffs in the background.

Freedom and choice

film

Meandering with purpose across the US, on his mountain bike, aged 71

Directed by Brandon Watts

Photo of three people admiring a large manatee sculpture in an art gallery.

Knowledge and reason

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Dare to speak your mind and together we flourish

Reason emerges through dialogue with others. To truly flourish, stop self-censoring and risk your status to speak your mind

by Hrishikesh Joshi

Black and white photo of two men, one in military uniform leaning over the other, who sits looking serious.

Freedom and choice

idea

Brainwashing has a grim history that we shouldn’t dismiss

Scientific research and historical accounts can help us identify and dissect the threat of ‘coercive persuasion’

by Joel E Dimsdale

A man recently released from prison standing on a rock by a tranquil lake, surrounded by dense green trees and under a partly cloudy sky.

Freedom and choice

film

After decades in prison, Jack navigates the strange, beautiful outside world

Directed by Pete Quandt