In the long run, we shape our lives, and
we shape ourselves.
The process never ends until we die.
And the choices we make are ultimately our own
responsibility.
Eleanor
Roosevelt
.................
Choice implies judging the
merits of multiple options and making a decision – selecting one
or more of them. Selecting none is a choice – which is indecision. If the decision
is complex, then reasoning, instinct and feeling become
more intertwined.
Simple choices might include what to eat for dinner or what
to wear – choices that have relatively low-impact. More complex choices might
involve what job to select, making vows to a life partner, picking candidates
in election, etc. – choices based on multiple influences and having greater or
longer-lasting consequences.
Too many choices
Choice seduces the modern consumer everywhere and all the
time – coffee can be tall, short, decaf, flavored, spiced, hot or iced, caramel
flan, frappuccino. Any fast-food restaurant has a plethora of choices that
confuse visitors from other countries. Being in line adds stress, which often leads
to no response – one visiting relative called it “instant indecision”. Is so
much choice a good thing?
Every day, everyone faces lots of decisions, large and small
– what to eat for lunch, whether to change careers or pursue a new romantic
relationship.
How does the human brain decide?
A new study (1) suggests that it relies on two separate networks to
do so: one that determines the overall value – the risk versus reward – of
individual choices. The other guides ultimate behavior.
Choice Paradox
In his TED talk on the “Paradox of Choice”, psychologist
Barry Schwartz discusses a central principle of western societies: freedom of
choice. He thinks that choice does not provide freedom, but paralyzes. It does
not cause happiness, but dissatisfaction. Simpler times, with fewer choices, are
appealing to many. (2)
Daniel McFadden, economist at University of California,
Berkeley, suggests that most people find too many options troubling because of
the “risk of misperception and miscalculation, of misunderstanding the
available alternatives, of misreading one's own tastes, of yielding to a
moment's whim and regretting it afterwards”, combined with “the stress of
information acquisition”. Indeed, the expectation of indecision can prompt
panic and a failure to choose at all. (3)
In a paper published in The American Journal of
Psychiatry, in 1970, Lipowski wrote, “I maintain that it is specifically the
overabundance of attractive alternatives, aided and abetted by an affluent and
increasingly complex society, that leads to conflict, frustration, unrelieved
appetitive tension, more approach tendencies and more conflict—a veritable
vicious cycle.” That cycle, in turn, likely had “far-reaching and probably
harmful effects on the mental and physical health of affected individuals.” (4)
Having too many options demands too much effort to make a
sensible decision: better to avoid the decision, or have somebody else pick for
you. The vast majority of shoppers in a Californian grocery store faced with 24
varieties of something simply choose not to buy any. The French have a saying: “Trop de choix tue le choix” (too much
choice kills the choice).
Psychologists say that having more choices raises
expectations too high, making even a good decision feel bad. The potential for
regret about the options not taken is greater in the face of multiple choices –
resulting in confusion, indecision, panic, regret, anxiety.
Unpopular choices
Often, making a choice is not easy. There are few unanimous
choices - 100% agreement in anything is rare.
Change, by definition, requires us to embrace new (or
contrary) opinions. When change is necessary, new ideas must be introduced, and
new ideas are almost always met with confrontation on some level.
As a leader,
it gets really hard to make the unpopular choices. It’s especially hard when a
company owner is called upon to make hard, but necessary, decisions such as announcing layoffs
and reducing benefits. It’s hard to decide between success and reputation,
friendships, and family. It’s likely that someone will be hurt, or unhappy – but
that cannot stop the hard choices. One
has to have the self-confidence and the “intestinal fortitude” to make tough
choices.
Leaders must recognize that friendships can't get in the way
of making the right choice. Good people recognize this need and respect it.
Teams don't work well when their leader makes only popular choices.
It’s even harder to go against the popular trend when one is
just a regular employee. I remember that Action Instruments, the company I
founded in San Diego, gave employees who’d been at the company for at least a
year the choice to buy stock ownership. Most employees were enthusiastically in
favor and we were known as an employee-owned company. But one person refused,
saying, “Ownership implies responsibility, which I don’t need.” I respected his motivation and accepted his
candid admission. I’m happy to note that this person stayed with the company
and kept being promoted for his excellent work.
Free Will
Now, let’s dig in deeper into the psychological aspects of
making choices. Where does free will come in when making a choice? Is behavior
(choice) pre-determined, or does it include free will? (5)
It’s commonly believed that humans have free will. Conscious
reflection on the available choices is the best way to achieve objectives; and learn
from mistakes. Calculation, strategy, organization etc. are interpreted as key
elements to help make specific choices in particular situations.
Free Will Theological
Views
A benevolent and all-knowing god always chooses the path
that causes the most good, which means there is no real choice to be made, no
free will. But, god lets evil exist, which is a required side effect of free
will. See my blog – Creation Allegory. (6)
In Christian theology God, by virtue of his
foreknowledge, knows what factors will influence individual choices, and by
virtue of his omnipotence he controls those factors. This becomes especially
important for the doctrines relating to salvation and predestination.
According to Islamic doctrine, free will is the main factor
for man's accountability in his actions throughout life, which will be counted
on the Day of Judgment because they are man’s own and not God's.
On this subject, I won’t presume to pontificate, but will
merely summarize what major monotheistic religions believe. Follow the provided
web links to probe deeper. (7)
Determinism
This is the principle that all events, including human
action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. Some
philosophers have taken determinism to imply that individual human beings have
no free will and cannot be held morally responsible for their actions. (8)
Many think that it “feels” like we have free will. If so,
then at what point does it assert itself? At what point does free will change
the way our thought processes progress? As neurons fire and trigger cascading
events, at what point does it free will suddenly stop, or suddenly start? Is
there a point in the cycles of our brains' processes where "free
will" determines the outcome? (9)
Some philosophers think that circumstances, in line with the
strict determinism of physics and biochemistry, predetermine all choices
and therefore, free will is an illusion.
Some approaches in psychology see the source of determinism
as being outside the individual, a position known as environmental determinism.
For example, it’s been shown that children with violent parents will in turn
become violent parents through observation and imitation. Others see it from
coming inside i.e., in the form of unconscious motivation or genetic
determinism – biological determinism. (10) These are forms of
determinism.
Modern quantum physics shows that the universe is not deterministic at the atomic scale,
which has profound effects on microscopic processes. At the macro level, the
classical deterministic physical laws apply. Philosophers and scientists are
still debating whether or not determinism applies in the macro cosmos. (11)
Fatalism is the special form of determinism where every
event in the future is fated to happen. This does not require that any causal
laws or higher powers be involved. Que
sera, sera.
The movie, “What the
Bleep do we know?” is a 2004 film that combines documentary-style
interviews, computer-animated graphics, and a narrative that discusses the
connection between quantum physics and consciousness.
This was followed by a substantially changed, extended DVD version in 2006,
called “Down the Rabbit Hole”. I
confess that I’ve viewed these many times. For those with an interest in both
science and philosophy, it’s well worth viewing. (12)
Let’s Engage
I’m asking you to engage! Don’t just read passively.
Answer the following questions, directly in the blog. Plus insert your comments
and ideas.
- When simple choices are
made, do you like to decide? Or
just let things happen?
- For key choices in your
life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did you choose?
- Do you make your choices?
Or do they “just happen”?
- Are you happy because you
choose to be happy? Do you choose to be unhappy?
- Do you think that some of
your bad choices led to good things later? Or, vice versa?
- Does your free will govern
your choices? Or are they pre-determined?
- What determines your
choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? Choose one.
..ooOOoo..
References
12. Film
– What the Bleep do we know? http://goo.gl/7NWZss
Jim Pinto
Carlsbad, CA.
USA
27 April 2015
When simple choices are made, do you like to decide? Or just let things happen?
ReplyDeleteDepends on what it is - a bit of both!
For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did you choose?
I choose but I inform my choice not blindly!
Do you make your choices? Or do they “just happen”?
Mostly I choose.
Are you happy because you choose to be happy? Do you choose to be unhappy?
You may choose to be happy but sometimes you don't succeed.
Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later? Or, vice versa?
Yes, depends on what the bad things are. But all our bad choices can be made good or be reversed. Sometimes we need help with this!
Does your free will govern your choices? Or are they pre-determined?
Free will always at the start but sometimes we can make a choice which overules our freedom - leading to addiction.
What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? Choose one.
You left out conscience - informed conscience as to what is good or bad!
1. When simple choices are made, do you like to decide? Or just let things happen?
ReplyDeleteAs a control freak, I like to make all order of choices.
2. For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did you choose?
No. “The Universe” chose.
3. Do you make your choices? Or do they “just happen”?
I think I do, but that may only be illusion.
4. Are you happy because you choose to be happy? Do you choose to be unhappy?
I’ve watched both kinds of people, so I try to choose to be happy.
5. Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later? Or, vice versa?
Sometimes learning seems to be involved, but I’ve often repeated bad choices.
6. Does your free will govern your choices? Or are they pre-determined?
I’d like to think free will exists, but have my doubts.
7. What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? Choose one.
Life is not as simple as having the ability to choose just one.
When simple choices are made, do you like to decide? Or just let things happen?
ReplyDeleteI like to choose, I enjoy the process. Often the actual decision is unimportant, love the cow picture, but all pulling in one direction in business is quite critical.
For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did you choose?
I believe I choose, Oxford, New York, southern Cal, leaving GD were all choices made with thought.
Do you make your choices? Or do they “just happen”?
No, they do not just happen.
Are you happy because you choose to be happy? Do you choose to be unhappy?
I think I am a happy person, but sometimes the News is depressing...
Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later? Or, vice versa?
Not sure, most of my decisions are cast in jelly, so I am prepared to change my mind and am not tied to a decision which seems to be going bad.
Does your free will govern your choices? Or are they pre-determined?
I think it is free will based on thought.
What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? Choose one.
I don't like the choices you provide, I am sure it is not Chance and definitely not Destiny, God or Fate.
I'm just reading Daniel Kahneman's book (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow) which deals with these questions.
ReplyDeleteWhen simple choices are made, do you like to decide? Or just let things happen?
As a team leader I want team members to make the decisions.
For myself I make the decisions quickly, but sometimes I like to wait and see what happens (so, I like to be surprised). And sometimes it is mere intuition.
For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did you choose?
Yes, I did.
Do you make your choices? Or do they “just happen”?
I make my choices and I hate other people to decide for me.
Are you happy because you choose to be happy? Do you choose to be unhappy?
Happy
Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later? Or, vice versa?
Everything that happens to you (good or bad) can have a valuable content. Also good experience is worth to analyze. "Success is the biggest enemy for any future success".
Does your free will govern your choices? Or are they pre-determined?
Free will
What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? Choose one.
Chance
1. When simple choices are made, do you like to decide? Or just let things happen?
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the moment. Typical example: everyday my colleagues engage a discussion about where to go to have lunch. In this case I just let things happen. But to choose the meal I usually take in account my own factors and make my decisions.
For this type of decision mostly we are influenced by external factors. Like in the above example, to accept other people choice of restaurant limits my options on the menu.
2. For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did you choose?
I like to think a lot when making key choices. Anything that involves long term impacts in my life takes me at least 24 hours to decide. In other words I need to sleep over the decision. If it is not possible to wait that much then the decision is not to decide.
3. Do you make your choices? Or do they “just happen”?
In a general way of speaking, yes I make my own choices. But is not possible to say that theya re not influenced by external factors. Even major choices get influenced by external factors such as my wife opinion, market trends, advertising, social pressure and so on
4. Are you happy because you choose to be happy? Do you choose to be unhappy?
For me it sounds sick to choose not to be happy. Everybody seeks happiness therefore to choose to be unhappy is only considered if it is to make someone else happy. As an example if someone does not like a certain type of music he/she may accept to listen to it in order to please someone that he/she likes. But then the choice was made considering a greater good, so we cannot say that this person choice was for the unhappiness.
5. Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later? Or, vice versa?
In my point of view there are no bad choices. A choice is considered bad a posteriori however it is impossible to know what would happen if I had chosen differently.
6. Does your free will govern your choices? Or are they pre-determined?
There should be a midterm between free will and determinism. My free will act every time, however the output of it is influenced, as discussed before. Humans can choose to do things against their instinct, making us distinct from most of the animals, what proves the existence of free will. However the extension of the choices available and/or considered depend on the environment.
7. What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? Choose one.
Chance. I picked this one because the choices are done based on what is available to be chosen. If we consider that the availability of options depends on a multitude of events, mostly out of control, chance (in a statistic definition) will determine what my choice will be. My fate says that God want me to make decisions that will lead to the best for most of my kind (sorry for my generalization). This eliminates two options of the list. Destiny is a dubious concept for me, placed between Chance and God/Fate.
1. When simple choices are made, do you like to decide?
ReplyDeleteTo a great extent and/or with my wife.
Or just let things happen?
It's OK but I prefer to choose.
2. For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce), did you choose?
Yes!
3. Do you make your choices?
Yes
Or do they “just happen”?
I do look at opportunities that pops up and then choose.
4. Are you happy because you choose to be happy?
Most of the time but feel better if others were a part in making that choice.
(Our choices affects others.)
Do you choose to be unhappy?
NO ... when bad things happen, I try to look at the reason it's happening
and see if I was at fault. Then I can reason on the problem and take
some action.
5. Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later?
Yes
And vice versa?
At times, looking back, my choice would be different.
6. Does your free will govern your choices?
Not completely, I do try to fallow laws, principle's, and advice.
Or are they pre-determined?
NO
7. What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate?
I determine my choices, but if I apply my faith in God in making those choices,
then they will work out better for me and also fallowing the law, principle's,
and advice that comes from experiences of others that can really help.
1. When simple choices are made, do you like to decide?
ReplyDeleteOr just let things happen?
I lead the way. A lot of factors can influence the ending but I am the one that makes the steps.
2. For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce),
did you choose?
Yes.
3. Do you make your choices? Or do they “just happen”?
I initiate the movement and the flow either diverts me a little or a lot.
4. Are you happy because you choose to be happy? Do you choose to be
unhappy?
I am happy because I make the correct choices. The results might not be what I had expected but they are from my choice, or my illusion of them being mine.
5. Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later?
And vice versa?
Yes!
6. Does your free will govern your choices? Or are they pre-determined?
My freewill is influence by all those miles I have walked.
7. What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate?
My past, the one of my parents and all the people I love.
Where Does the Line End?
ReplyDeleteAs I’m sitting here writing this essay, two mourning doves fly at it on our front porch. One is a female. The other, a male, pursues her, bashing into our window screens, putting on a show. It’s clear what he wants. She appears reluctant to start nesting again. Does that situation sound like young people everywhere?
Makes me wonder about this so-called continuum that stops with the “lower animals” and we superior beings. Watching the doves, and all of the other desert animals in spring, I sense that they have no choices in what they do, that their genes drive them. How far up the phylogenetic scale does determinism go? Are humans beyond such external drives? Have we no real choices? We like to think we choose, but do we? Does he really pick a future wife or she a prospective husband? Or do society, expectations, and genes tilt the balance? Could an anthropologist answer these questions? Or a biologist? Is this thought process meant for a cosmologist to ponder?
We heard on National Public Radio today part of an interview with a professor studying the effects of lead poisoning on human populations. What he said shocked: Much of anti-social behavior, criminality, and failed human relations may be laid at the feet of lead poisoning from ingestion of dust from old homes where lead-based paint was used. Not exclusively, he cautioned, but a factor.
Where does that line end and when did we cross it, when we escaped the phylogentic scale to become gods? Or did we?
--Jack Grenard
I am a bit late in getting to read this blog. Here are my answers:
ReplyDelete1. When simple choices are made, do you like to decide? YES
Or just let things happen? NO
2. For key choices in your life (job, partner, home, move, divorce),
did you choose? CHOSE THEM ALL
3. Do you make your choices? Or do they “just happen”? I MAKE THEM.
4. Are you happy because you choose to be happy? Do you choose to be
unhappy? I AM HAPPY BECAUSE THAT IS HOW I CHOSE TO LIVE MY LIVE.
5. Do you think that some of your bad choices led to good things later? YES, BUT THE KEY IS TO UNDERSTAND WHY YOU MADE THE BAD CHOICE.
And vice versa?
6. Does your free will govern your choices? Or are they pre-determined? I BELIEVE IN FREE WILL.
7. What determines your choices: Chance, Destiny, God, or Fate? NONE OF THESE - I DO.
I like making choices and do it quickly. But almost all my choices are reasoned out and thought about. Sometimes for a few days for important financial choices.
Yes, sometimes I don't take the time and make a poor choice, but I try to learn from it so I don't repeat the mistake.
We all face many choices in any normal situations. But knowing what your goals are, what you are trying to accomplish, what the criteria and limitations are, the choice you have to make usually becomes clear. And in some situations, the choice does not matter so I just choose something. And go on.
I believe the more choices we have as human beings, the more possibilities open up for your life.