This is likely to be a really odd, rambling thread- apologies for that but if you have the time- here we go...
It's really strange because on the one hand, I love this idea of choice. It suggests freedom- that we can do anything we want. It gives me so much anxiety too though. I think partly because it's an illusion and partly because we can so easily make the wrong choices in life. Also, partly because we can feel like we aren't allowed to make the choices that we really ought to be allowed.
Choice feels a bit like chasing a golden carrot. I think we are given the illusion at school that we can achieve anything we work hard at- that we just make the right choices in life and voila. The reality isn't anything like that.
In reality, our choices are hemmed in largely. We are all massively constrained by our own biological limitations, our financial setup and the demands of society. There's so much pressure too- to choose the path that's most acceptable in society. Plus- if you make the wrong choices and fail- it's all on you.
I'm sure this is going to sound utterly crazy to people and I don't think it's an actual realistic wish- but, I used to fantasize about going to prison! (Not that I have done- or wish to do anything to warrant that.) Just to be somewhere where I didn't need to make choices anymore. That I didn't need to feel the pressure to succeed because I simply couldn't anymore. Does that sound weird?!! Of course- I'm sure I'd tire of it within a day or two. I'm sure it would be a terrible experience in fact- sorry if I've triggered anyone who has gone through it.
I suppose the other thing is feeling pressured into choices you don't actually want. The lesser of the evils. Studying a subject because your parents want you to do it. Working a shitty job because you don't want the guilt trip of borrowing from family or claiming benefits. Choosing a risky suicide method because you have no way of improving your life and a peaceful method is denied you.
Even when it comes to suicide- there are problems. Some people do feel like they are being pressured into their only choice- their illness is incurable, or their situation simply can't be fixed. Worst of all- it's a choice we aren't 'supposed' to make. There is SO much pressure not to make it. Perhaps worst of all- I think we all feel that pressure to CHOOSE a fairly risky DIY approach (ALL methods carry that element of risk) because life is unliveable for us- and we aren't being alowed the alternative of a peaceful assisted death.
What do you think? Is freedom of choice largely a fallacy? I mean- I suppose it isn't a total fallacy- we ARE all free to make dubious choices and suffer the consequences. I just get the feeling though that we aren't nearly as free as we think we are.
It's really strange because on the one hand, I love this idea of choice. It suggests freedom- that we can do anything we want. It gives me so much anxiety too though. I think partly because it's an illusion and partly because we can so easily make the wrong choices in life. Also, partly because we can feel like we aren't allowed to make the choices that we really ought to be allowed.
Choice feels a bit like chasing a golden carrot. I think we are given the illusion at school that we can achieve anything we work hard at- that we just make the right choices in life and voila. The reality isn't anything like that.
In reality, our choices are hemmed in largely. We are all massively constrained by our own biological limitations, our financial setup and the demands of society. There's so much pressure too- to choose the path that's most acceptable in society. Plus- if you make the wrong choices and fail- it's all on you.
I'm sure this is going to sound utterly crazy to people and I don't think it's an actual realistic wish- but, I used to fantasize about going to prison! (Not that I have done- or wish to do anything to warrant that.) Just to be somewhere where I didn't need to make choices anymore. That I didn't need to feel the pressure to succeed because I simply couldn't anymore. Does that sound weird?!! Of course- I'm sure I'd tire of it within a day or two. I'm sure it would be a terrible experience in fact- sorry if I've triggered anyone who has gone through it.
I suppose the other thing is feeling pressured into choices you don't actually want. The lesser of the evils. Studying a subject because your parents want you to do it. Working a shitty job because you don't want the guilt trip of borrowing from family or claiming benefits. Choosing a risky suicide method because you have no way of improving your life and a peaceful method is denied you.
Even when it comes to suicide- there are problems. Some people do feel like they are being pressured into their only choice- their illness is incurable, or their situation simply can't be fixed. Worst of all- it's a choice we aren't 'supposed' to make. There is SO much pressure not to make it. Perhaps worst of all- I think we all feel that pressure to CHOOSE a fairly risky DIY approach (ALL methods carry that element of risk) because life is unliveable for us- and we aren't being alowed the alternative of a peaceful assisted death.
What do you think? Is freedom of choice largely a fallacy? I mean- I suppose it isn't a total fallacy- we ARE all free to make dubious choices and suffer the consequences. I just get the feeling though that we aren't nearly as free as we think we are.
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