What will you do, if you have the power of free will?
Well, you have been already doing that. We all are believers of free will. As individuals, as a society. This is the basis of all the rules and regulations, although we did not mention it. We agree we have a free will and by these social conventions we agree to respect others free will. Not only humans also animals. Hence even animal ethics. So, fundamentally it is wrong to ask such a question like "Do you have a free will?" If you do not believe that everything will crumble. You can read more on such deterministic worlds in following articles on free will. However, I will show a story of evolution.
Power of free will in evolution
There is some evidence for evolution. Whether we liked it or not. Consider the following.
In time of industrial revolution, there had been lot of mines in some parts of Europe. And following demand for such unearthed material began to cease, at the end of the war, these mines were grossly abandoned. As it happened the domestic cats who used to be parttime entertainment for the workers were also abandoned. After some time, being in dark places, these cats evolved few generations. Once the mines were re discovered people were surprised to see, that these cats, were essentially blind, but had the ability to hunt and survive in the total darkness. A new cat species had evolved. It is difficult to assume that the evolution, only involved random mutations. Maybe the willpower of some consciousness is enough to make changes in the materialistic world.
Willpower is an essential thing not only for evolution and survival. It is essential for us to function as humans, or animals. If someone loses their will to survive, in a matter of days they will be dead. Will is needed for you to get up and do some work, to prevent the hunger keeps coming back. Although it seems it is a futile process, the reasons behind this cycle of life are not yet broken, hence will keep on rolling. So, what drives the life? What drives the life is our choice. Our ability to like and dislike things is essential to every human and every animal. How tiny they are, there is a tiny will, to keep on living. When the nature betrays the will, they will tend to cheat the nature by reproduction.
Evolution shaping our free will
When we were first introduced to biology. First day, in the class we were taught that, the ultimate goal of all the animals and plants is reproduction. What does this mean?
Once you have done your deed of reproduction, it doesn't matter you live or die. If you think you love your offspring because of your free will. I would say think twice. Can you not love your children? Occasionally we find that there are some souls which tries to go against the nature, and not love their offspring and their genetics will perish, just like their free will.
It seems, at least evolution has shaped our free will, and our free will have shaped our evolution. It seems One is the reason for the other. So, what is this knowledge important for you and me?
I think it is an evolutionary error that humans are capable of questioning their own willpower. But I hardly see anyone doing it reasonably, and you know why. The one who questions their own will, will understand the mechanics of life. And see the mechanism of the thoughts and understand the dragon scroll is empty. Just like the Camus suggested, whether we liked it or not, the life will drag on like the waves of the sea, like a floating leaf on water. Hence, this understanding will weaken their will. Consequence? Once weakened the will, will eventually disconnect from life. Instead of searching for happiness, such a consciousness will find peace, even in chaos. And disappear like a forest fire, which stops at the end of the sea, as it doesn't find anything else to burn.
Will you take such a journey? With will of course!
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