Freedom and choice

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

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

An elderly man with grey hair who is Karl Jaspers in front of a blurred bookshelf, in a dark suit, white shirt and a tie.

Thinkers and theories

idea

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

A woman leans against a red column on a train platform, with a moving train blurred in the background.

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

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

A rotating antique globe in brass and other materials seen from above

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

Three people interact with a large manatee sculpture in an art gallery, with colourful artwork in the background.

Knowledge and reason

idea

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

A wooden door with a brass push plate and push sign, looking out to a blurred street view with a parked car.

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

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

Person diving into an icy blue waterhole amidst a frozen landscape, with scattered ice chunks and a stack of icy blocks nearby.

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

Two men in black and white film scene: one in military uniform leaning over and talking to the other who is seated, looking apprehensive.

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 dish of roasted chicken garnished with lemon slices, bean sprouts, and fresh mint in a clay pot, with a person arranging lemon slices on a nearby plate.

Food and drink

film

Founding the ‘world’s best’ restaurant made Sally happy. So did selling it

Directed by Ben Proudfoot