Free Will – It may not be what you think

Definition:

In philosophy and science, free will is the ability of humans to make decisions or perform actions without being influenced by any prior event or state of the universe.

Free will is closely related to the concepts of moral responsibility, praise, culpability, sin, and other judgments that apply only to actions that are freely chosen. It’s the idea that people can play an active role and have choice in how they behave and have the ability to make genuine choices that are not dictated by natural laws or environmental influences. It’s the notional capacity or ability to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded.

———————————————–

While reading Geddy Lee’s book, My Effin’ Life, I came across a particular section, and knew I’d have to respond. Seems Geddy received a raving complaint from a fan who referred to a photo of Geddy sporting a mask during Covid. He accused Geddy of abandoning his belief in the lyrics of the Rush song, because he chose to follow protocol. Sadly, he misinterpreted the lyrics by never familiarizing himself with the philosophical meaning of free will, instead choosing to believe that it meant doing whatever you desired, whenever you wanted, regardless of the consequences – a sad reflection indeed! Please listen to Geddy’s comments in the above video. 

Free Will lyrics

There are those who think that life has nothing left to chance

A host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance

A planet of playthings, we dance on the strings of powers we cannot perceive

The stars aren’t aligned or the Gods are malign, blame is better to give than receive

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill

I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose Freewill

There are those who think that they were dealt a losing hand

The cards were stacked against them they weren’t born in Lotus Land

All preordained, a prisoner in chains, a victim of venomous fate

Kicked in the face, you can pray for a place, in heaven’s unearthly estate

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill

I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose Freewill

Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete

Genetic blends with uncertain ends on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet

You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill

I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose Freewill

Songwriters: Geddy Lee / Alex Lifeson / Neil Peart

Freewill lyrics © Core Music Publishing, Ole Core Music Publishing, Anthem Core Music Publishing