Trying to understand
the infinite freeway is where the patterns of recognition become handy. They
help to make sense of the randomness giving at least an illusion of
pre-determinism. Because people are the same, then their actions on a large
enough scale will also have similarities. This works on every scale level.
Planets with conditions similar to those of Earth will likely develop similar
looking organisms given that the laws of evolution work on a universal scale.
The laws of physics apply everywhere. So even though the chemical composition
of the atmosphere is different, their sun might be at a different stage in its
lifespan, tidal forces caused by several moons could be monstrous, presence
close to a black hole might bend time along with position next to the sun,
regardless of these factors, this “alternate universe” will still be guided by
the same clockwork that guides us. So although you might not be able to predict
the future completely, looking at past events can give you an idea as to which
direction events might flow as the rules have not really changed since then,
just the players.
But these patterns
that govern us still do not rob individuals of daily micro choices. We can
still choose our direction while driving on the freeway so we do have a choice
yet only to a certain degree. Semi-compatibilistic. We cannot choose to
go backwards, stop or get out of the car. Nor can we switch to a helicopter to
get a better view of where we need to go. In that sense, free will in its core
definition never exists. On an individual level it does work though, but only
within the boundaries of the universal clockwork. Having an understanding of
this scale difference is an integral part of finding your destination quickly
and effectively and this understanding is one of the things that differentiates
free thinkers from the road raged, stressed out commuters. By tuning out the
noise from the radio, GPS and cellphones, i.e. the dictating powers that love
to tell you where to go and what to do and to compromise your inner desires;
culture, religion, society, tradition, etc., and rather having just a tiny
understanding of the patterns caused by the universal clockwork, one can much
more comfortably find and eventually reach the “right” destination. This is
essentially following your dreams, fulfilling your destiny, pursuing happiness,
however you want to label it.
To transfer from cars
to boats but staying in the journey metaphor. Even if it is possible to cross
back and forth and sail against the wind, it is a lot more comfortable and
simple to just let the wind carry you where it wants to, sometimes the universe
might just know better. Not to say that you should let completely go of the
rudder and give up control completely, after all you could still crash on rocks
and sink or your sail might get ripped apart. But following the natural laws
that guide the rest of the universe instead of trying to work against them
might be the right choice, even if this conclusion will be hard bought. In that
sense determinism in my world is compatibilistic, but only within the
confines of the clockwork. Listening to your intuition might just be the
universe trying to help you in the right direction for you, in which sense it
is controlling your path. In that scenario you just go with your gut, live in
the moment and make your decisions in real-time, trusting that the wind will
carry you wherever you need to go, you are just following the road taken as it
is being laid out in front of you. However, if you desired you could move in
any direction you wanted to according to your own perception of what is right.
But would you really want to? Life is just a sketch, remember? A painting half
begun but never completed because it will only start to resemble anything
retrospectively. Therefore trusting a machinery that has been around forever
(in the most literal sense of that word imaginable), that creates and govern
everything we know and see around us, might not be a bad idea. (See, science
can be very spiritual; “In the Universe we trust!”) Being able to, is another
matter. The first step is getting away from congestion and traffic, to a place
where you can truly listen to yourself. This is how you figure out what it is
YOU want, not society or any other dictating power. Just you. Once you can hear
yourself think you can start looking for others who are on a similar journey to
yours and maybe you can assist each other to reach unknown heights and in time
maybe assist others do the same. That is further down the road though, worry
about getting to your own personal destinations first. The first step of any
journey is always the hardest but once you are on the (right) road and sailing
smoothly, that’s when all your trials, tribulations and sacrifices pay off and
take on a new meaning. This is also the point of no return when you can no
longer go back. Unfortunately, it is up to each individual to discover this on
their own which is why it’s an intuitive journey since no two individuals are
ever aiming for the exact same destination. Your road is your own and only you
can walk it. Similarly, your choices are also your own to make, they do give
you some degree of free will within the confines of the clockwork, however
exercise it at your own risk.
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