1.0 Question Of Freedom
Chapter 1 of "The Philosophy of Freedom" delves into the profound inquiry of human freedom, questioning whether humans are truly autonomous in their thoughts and actions or bound by the immutable laws of nature. This exploration is not just an intellectual exercise but an investigation of human cognition as the basis for ethical individualism. This chapter expresses the mood of Occultism, acknowledging the limitations of sense-perception and ordinary cognition. It suggests that the true essence of freedom, concealed behind the veil of illusion, may be accessible through a deeper introspective investigation into the mind
The chapter initiates this journey with a critical examination of the assumption of freedom, challenging the reader to reconsider what is often taken for granted. Most people consider themselves to be free, at least most of the time. Rudolf Steiner questions this freedom through the lens of twelve distinct worldviews, each offering a unique perspective on the nature of freedom. This multifaceted approach unravels the complexities of freedom, provoking the reader to discern between genuine autonomy and the illusion of freedom.
The narrative invites an introspective voyage, urging the reader to question the depth of their freedom against the backdrop of natural law and human nature. Obviously, we are not free if we don't know why we act, but are we then free if we know the reason for acting? It's an invitation to embark on a quest for deeper understanding, where each worldview sheds light on different facets of freedom, inspiring a comprehensive inquiry into whether our perceived liberty is our most cherished attribute or merely a delusion.
1.1 Freedom Of Indifferent Choice
MATERIALIST WILLING PROFILE
A Materialist experiences a sense of indifferent freedom in making immediate, willful choices between two possible courses of action. Freedom of Indifferent Choice is often equated with freedom as license, where actions are fueled solely by the will. The emphasis is on removing all restrictions to freedom, rather than the quality of the choices. It results in immediate reactive actions devoid of both thought and emotion. This choice is essentially an automatic response to environmental stimuli, determined by underlying material causes, often beyond conscious awareness.
Science uncovers that every action, although appearing as free will, is actually driven by specific reasons rooted in the Materialist's nature and the external world. Consequently, for the Materialist, freedom emerges from a stance of indifference towards this deterministic nature of choices, accepting their instinctive reactions to the world as standard.
This acceptance of the inevitable, coupled with indifference to the intricate web of material determinants, grants a sense of liberation. It allows the Materialist to traverse life's path with ease, unencumbered by the need to unravel or influence the profound complexity of the underlying material forces. Although they may understand that their decisions are shaped by deeper, often subconscious, material influences, Materialists carry on everyday life under the illusion of agency, feeling as though they are the originators of their actions.
Step To Freedom 1.1: Advance from the perceived freedom of making an indifferent choice, to questioning this indifference by acknowledging that there is always a specific reason or cause influencing the selection of a particular course of action.
Freedom of Indifferent Choice: Freely choose between two courses of action entirely at will, implying that the choice are made in isolation from any influencing factors.
A Reason Always Exists: The basic science that every action is determined by a specific cause.
Known Action
By questioning freedom, we engage in an active process of knowing why we act. We seek to understand the 'why' behind our choices, which lends our actions a level of intentionality and moral significance they wouldn't otherwise possess. The step to freedom for a Materialist involves moving from an indifferent stance to a conscious recognition and understanding of the reasons behind each action. This shift from seeing choice as unrestricted license to an in-depth awareness enables us to move beyond mere impulsivity or casual choice-making into the realm of known, deliberate action, enriched by understanding and purpose.
Examples Of The Materialist's Act Of Will
Selecting a Vacation Destination
Initial Belief: A materialist randomly chooses a beach destination over a mountain retreat, believing the choice to be a matter of personal whim and indifference.
Realization: Later, the materialist realizes the choice was influenced by subconscious associations of the beach with positive childhood memories, demonstrating how deeply ingrained experiences, a part of the natural laws of memory and association, guided the decision.
Picking a Book to Read
Initial Belief: The materialist picks up a science fiction novel over a historical one, feeling the choice is made casually and without deep preference.
Realization: It becomes evident that the choice was subconsciously influenced by a desire to escape current personal challenges, aligning with psychological theories that suggest escapism is a natural response to stress.
Deciding on a Weekend Activity
Initial Belief: The materialist decides to go to a loud concert instead of a quiet park, believing the decision to be made out of sheer indifference.
Realization: The materialist later understands that the choice was driven by an unconscious need to feel energized and socially connected, a response tied to intrinsic social and psychological needs that govern human behavior.
1.2 Freedom Of Choice
SPIRITIST WILLING PROFILE
A Spiritist attributes freedom to choice determined from within, driven by a deep inwardness and a relative disinterest in the external material world. This perspective shapes the cognitive process of making choices: decisions are based on personal preferences influenced by inner feelings and desires, reflecting the Spiritist's inner spiritual activity. The Spiritist feels free to choose based on these internal spiritual impulses, believing that these choices are expressions of their true, spiritual self.
However, this sense of freedom is nuanced by the understanding that one's desires are not entirely subject to conscious control – the desire to desire this or that is not something one can turn on or off at will. While Spiritists perceive themselves as freely making choices aligned with their spiritual inclinations, this freedom is, to some extent, an illusion. The freedom they experience is deeply rooted in their spiritual self, yet it's also bounded by the inherent nature of desire and inner feeling, which are not entirely within their conscious control.
Step To Freedom 1.2: Advance from the freedom of making preferential choices, to questioning the freedom of the desiring that guides and determines those choices.
Freedom Of Choice: Individuals have the liberty to make choices according to their own desires and preferences.
Determined By Desire: Choices are driven by compelling desires within the individual, over which the individual is not necessarily free.
Known Action
This developmental step transcends the illusion of free choice by fostering a deep awareness of the hidden desires influencing our decisions. The Spiritist acknowledges that while we may have the liberty to choose based on personal desires and preferences, these choices are frequently steered by profound, compelling desires that reside beneath our conscious awareness. Known action is about embarking on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, aiming to uncover and comprehend the origins and nature of these underlying desires. This introspective endeavor is not just about recognizing these desires but also about exploring their roots, thereby gaining a more authentic and liberated command over one's actions.
Examples Of The Spiritist's Act Of Will
Engaging in Meditation Practice
Initial Belief: A spiritist starts a daily meditation practice, thinking it's a purely voluntary choice aligned with personal spiritual beliefs.
Realization: The spiritist recognizes that the choice was deeply influenced by an inner, uncontrollable yearning for peace and solace in response to subconscious stress and anxiety, showing that the decision was more a necessity than a free choice.
Selecting Books on Mysticism
Initial Belief: A spiritist chooses to read books on mysticism, thinking it's an expression of free will and personal interest.
Realization: The spiritist later understands that the choice was dictated by a deep-seated, uncontrollable quest for understanding the unknown, revealing that the decision stemmed from an intrinsic, compelling desire for existential answers.
Practicing a Form of Artistic Expression
Initial Belief: The spiritist takes up painting, believing it to be a freely made choice for personal expression.
Realization: It dawns on the spiritist that the urge to paint was profoundly influenced by an inner desire to process and heal from past emotional traumas, a need for therapeutic self-expression that was beyond their conscious control.
1.3 Free Necessity Of One's Nature
REALIST WILLING PROFILE
For the Realist, freedom is conceptualized as 'free necessity' — the intrinsic drive to express one's true nature and existence. The Realist acknowledges the external world and its influences but believes that true freedom lies in the necessity to act according to one's inherent nature and identity. This inherent drive is what the Realist perceives as freedom: the need to be authentic and to express their true self.
The cognitive process of a Realist involves a conscious awareness of their actions and desires. They act out of the necessity of their nature, striving to continue in motion, guided by their internal drives. Although the Realist is aware of their desires and actions, they may not fully grasp the external influences shaping these desires. Consequently, their perception of freedom stems from this internal drive and conscious awareness, despite being influenced by natural, social, and cultural factors.
The Realist's illusion of freedom lies in the belief of acting out of free will while in fact their identity and behavior are conditioned by outside influences, resulting in predictable responses to external stimuli. Their nature is conditioned by external factors, leading to a fixed and exact way of existence and action. Despite these influences, the Realist experiences a sense of freedom in their need to keep it real by expressing their authentic nature, even if it is determined by external causes.
Step To Freedom 1.3: Advance from freely expressing the necessity of one's nature, to questioning how this nature has been sculpted by external influences, such as environmental, societal, or cultural conditioning.
Free Necessity of One's Nature: Real freedom comes from actions that are the necessary expressions of our inherent nature.
Determined By External Causes: The shaping of one's nature and behavior through influences and conditioning from external sources.
Known Action
The Realist strives for 'known action' by aligning their actions with their genuine nature and identity. Realists are driven by an internal necessity to express their true nature, which they equate with freedom. This conscious awareness and pursuit of authenticity define their actions. However, there's an underlying complexity: while Realists perceive themselves as acting freely and authentically, their identity and actions are often shaped by external influences such as natural, social, or cultural conditioning. Their authentic being, to some extent, is a product of the external world.
There is a crucial distinction that must be made between actions performed with a clear, transparent understanding of one's motives and those done without such understanding. When motives are fully known and transparent, the nature of the compulsion to act differs fundamentally from when motives are obscure or not understood. This brings to light an essential aspect of 'known action': the depth of insight into one's own motivations can significantly influence the authenticity and freedom of one's actions. Thus, 'known action' is not just about being aware of why one acts but involves a profound, transparent comprehension of these motives, increasing the conviction that actions are genuinely aligned with one's conscious intentions and understanding.
Examples Of The Realist's Act Of Will
Adopting a Minimalistic Lifestyle
Initial Belief: A realist adopts a minimalistic lifestyle, feeling it's an authentic expression of their simple and orderly nature.
Realization: Upon reflection, the realist understands that this preference was largely molded by prevailing cultural trends glorifying minimalism as a counter-movement to consumerism, revealing that societal influences played a substantial role in shaping what was perceived as an intrinsic nature.
Preferring Direct Communication
Initial Belief: A realist prides themselves on their direct and straightforward communication style, considering it a true reflection of their honest and no-nonsense nature.
Realization: The realist acknowledges that this communication style was significantly influenced by the norms and expectations of their father, who valued directness, indicating that their 'authentic' mode of expression was, in fact, conditioned by family norms.
Engaging in Community Service
Initial Belief: A realist actively engages in community service, believing it's a necessary expression of their altruistic and community-oriented nature.
Realization: The realist comes to realize that this inclination towards community involvement was deeply rooted in the values instilled by the social expectations of their peer group, illustrating that their 'authentic' nature was intricately shaped by social conditioning.
1.4 Conduct Of Character
IDEALIST WILLING PROFILE
For Idealism, freedom is intricately linked to the conduct of character, reflecting a belief that life gains significance through the purpose and meaning imparted by ideas. The Idealist perceives themselves as free and independent, asserting that freedom emanates from internalizing and transforming external ideas into motives aligned with their character.
The cognitive process of an Idealist is characterized by a harmonization between ideas and personal character. An Idealist will internalize and act upon an idea only if it resonates with their character, eliciting a desire to act in alignment with that idea. This process signifies that while ideas may originate externally, their adoption as motives for conduct is contingent upon the character of the Idealist.
However, this perceived autonomy in choosing motives is nuanced by the understanding that the transformation of ideas into motives is not arbitrary but is governed by the necessity of one's characterological disposition. Although the Idealist embraces ideas and integrates them as motives for action, this integration is not a manifestation of absolute freedom. Instead, it is a process intricately conditioned by the inherent structure of the Idealist's character. Hence, the Idealist's sense of freedom is more a reflection of alignment between external ideas and the makeup of one's internal character than an expression of uninhibited choice.
Step To Freedom 1.4: Advance from the freedom of acting on ideas that align with one's established character, to questioning if the acceptance of these ideas is merely a reflection of one's pre-existing ideas and feelings that makeup the characterolgical disposition.
Conduct of Character: The way an individual acts or behaves based on deep-seated qualities or character traits, specifically choosing motives that align with their character.
Characterological Disposition: The blend of an individual's accumulated ideas and feelings, formed by habitual experiences and expressed in emotional reactions of pleasure or pain.
Known Action
The cognitive process of an Idealist involves harmonizing external ideas with their character, transforming these ideas into motives for action only when there is a deep resonance with their personal values and beliefs. Idealist willing strives for 'known action' by integrating external ideas with personal character, ensuring that actions are both meaningful and aligned with their inner self. The internalization of ideas is not random but is significantly influenced by the Idealist's characterological disposition. In this view, 'known action' for an Idealist is not just about being aware of the motives but understanding the origin of the values and beliefs that makeup their established character.
Examples Of The Idealist's Act Of Will
Choosing a Partner
Initial Belief: An idealist prioritizes intellectual compatibility in relationships, thinking it's a natural preference of their reflective and thoughtful character.
Realization: Upon introspection, the idealist realizes that this preference stems from an ingrained belief system, heavily influenced by societal notions of 'ideal' relationships and intellectual discourse they were exposed to in academic settings, indicating that their character and choices are a construct of accumulated external ideas and expectations.
Adopting a Vegan Lifestyle
Initial Belief: An idealist adopts a vegan lifestyle, believing it's a true expression of their ethical and health-conscious character.
Realization: The idealist later acknowledges that this lifestyle choice was largely molded by a combination of exposure to animal rights movements, health trends, and peer influence, showing that their 'ethical character' was not just an innate quality but a compilation of acquired beliefs and societal influences.
Engaging in Political Activism
Initial Belief: An idealist gets actively involved in political activism, thinking it's an authentic manifestation of their justice-oriented and proactive character.
Realization: The idealist comes to realize that this sense of justice and activism was deeply influenced by the political ideologies and historical narratives they were exposed to during their formative years. This recognition reveals that their character and subsequent actions are significantly shaped by the accumulation of ideas and feelings derived from their social and cultural environment, rather than an independently formed character trait.
1.5 Conscious Motive
MATHEMATIST WILLING PROFILE
For the Mathematist, freedom is intricately linked to the concept of conscious motives, distinguishing clearly understood actions from those arising from blind urges. The Mathematist perceives the world as a mechanical system, subject to precise calculation and locates freedom in the realm of calculated, conscious motives.
The cognitive process of a Mathematist involves differentiating between actions driven by conscious reasoning and those dictated by unconscious impulses. Actions stemming from a conscious motive are deemed superior, reflecting the Mathematist's belief in the primacy of calculated analysis in guiding behavior.
While the emphasis on rational calculation and precise analysis equips them with a clear understanding of what needs to be done, this analytical approach may not inherently provide the motivation to act. The strength of the Mathematist lies in knowing and understanding through a logical framework, but this focus on calculation and structure may overlook the emotional or intuitive drivers that often catalyze action, leading to a potential gap between understanding and the impetus to act.
Step To Freedom 1.5: Advance from the freedom of possessing a conscious motive and understanding what needs to be done, to questioning if the significance of actually taking action has been overlooked.
Conscious Motive: This refers to taking action based on a clear and deliberate understanding of the motive. The motive is not impulsive or instinctual but rather is well-considered and intentional.
Knowing Doer: Here, not only is the reason for taking action clearly understood, but the individual acts decisively based on this knowledge.
Known Action
Mathematist willing aims for 'known action' by distinguishing actions derived from conscious, logical calculation from those arising out of unconscious, instinctual urges. The cognitive process of a Mathematist involves a clear demarcation between conscious, calculated actions and those that are impulsive or instinct-driven. By prioritizing analysis and logical reasoning, Mathematists aim to ensure that their actions are known. However, this strict reliance on objectivity and analysis may lead to a disconnection between understanding and the emotional or intuitive forces that often drive action, potentially creating a divide between the knower and the doer. What matters is knowing what should be done and finding the motivation to do it.
Examples Of The Mathematist's Act Of Will
Starting a Healthy Diet
Initial Belief: Armed with nutritional research and a meticulously crafted meal plan, the Mathematist is confident in his ability to revolutionize his eating habits. He believes that his comprehensive understanding of macros, calories, and the health benefits of each food item equips him with the freedom to make a transformative change in his diet.
Realization: As days pass, the meticulously planned meals remain unprepared, and the healthy groceries go unused. He confronts the reality that, despite his extensive knowledge and detailed planning, there's a disconnect between understanding the principles of a healthy diet and the actual motivation needed to consistently prepare and consume the nutritious meals.
Writing a Book
Initial Belief: The Mathematist has prepared to write a compelling book, equipped with a clear idea, extensive knowledge, and a structured daily writing routine. He believes his preparation and understanding of the content will smoothly translate into writing the book.
Realization: After months of unproductive days and a persistently blank first page, he confronts the truth. Despite his clear vision and structured plan, the drive to translate his thoughts into written words is glaringly absent, leaving his literary ambitions unfulfilled.
Pursuing Higher Education
Initial Belief: The Mathematist plans to obtain a Ph.D. taking straightforward steps to advance his career. He feels well-prepared with knowledge of top programs, application procedures, and the professional benefits of the degree.
Realization: The moment arrives to start applications and exam preparations, but a profound inertia sets in. He realizes that his academic aspirations and intellectual recognition of the process don't equate to the actual motivation needed to navigate the demanding journey of a Ph.D. program.
1.6 Practical Decision
RATIONALIST WILLING PROFILE
For Rationalism, freedom is understood as the dominion of reason over the instinctive, animalistic impulses that drive human behavior. The Rationalist worldview posits that true freedom is not about yielding to these base desires but about governing one's actions through reason, purpose, and deliberate decision-making.
Freedom is tethered to the realm of reason and conscious cognition. Rationalists value ideas and knowledge that are derived from external, observable phenomena, rather than those that stem from internal intuition or inspiration. This perspective places a high value on empirical evidence and logical deduction as the primary means of understanding reality. The Rationalist strives to make decisions based on careful thought, analysis of the external world, and logical deduction, distancing themselves from the spontaneous, instinct-driven responses that characterize animal behavior.
However, this perspective encounters a problem regarding the nature of freedom. The dilemma arises when one considers whether the dictates of reason command an individual's actions with the same deterministic force as their animal impulses. If a rational decision arises in an individual with the same inevitability as a basic need like hunger or thirst, then the individual's adherence to this decision is not a matter of choice but of necessity. In this scenario, the Rationalist must confront the possibility that their perceived freedom—defined as the ability to act according to reason and deliberate choice—is, in fact, an illusion. This suggests that even the most rational decision may be subject to the same deterministic forces as the most basic instinctual drive, challenging the Rationalist's fundamental understanding of what it means to be free.
Step To Freedom 1.6: Advance from the freedom of determining life with deliberate decisions, to questioning whether the decision occurs in me with rational necessity.
Practical Decision: A practical decision refers to a choice made to act according to reason, purpose, and deliberate thought.
Determined by Rational Necessity: This indicates that the choice or decision arises from a rational, unavoidable conclusion, which exerts a form of 'compulsion' that one feels obligated to follow. Rationalization can be used to explain, defend, or justify a decision or action, often aiming to make it acceptable or appropriate in a given context.
Known Action
The Rationalist strives for 'known action' by prioritizing reason, purpose, and deliberate decision-making over instinctual impulses. This approach to decision-making is grounded in the analysis of the external world, aiming for actions that are well-informed and consciously chosen. However, this quest for 'known action' faces a challenge: the question of whether decisions dictated by reason are truly free or if they are compelled by rational necessity, the same inevitability as instinctual needs, casting doubt on the nature of freedom and the possibility of genuinely rational, autonomous action.
Examples Of The Rationalist's Act Of Will
Taking the Last Piece of Cake
Initial Belief: The Rationalist takes the last piece of cake, justifying the action with the thought that it's better for him to enjoy it than to let it go to waste.
Realization: He recognizes that his decision, while rationalized as preventing waste, is also driven by a deeper, perhaps selfish desire for the treat, revealing a rational necessity tied to personal gratification rather than purely altruistic motives.
Buying a Luxury Car
Initial Belief: The Rationalist justifies purchasing a luxury car because it's a reliable investment and he deserves to reward his hard work.
Realization: He comes to understand that beyond the rationalization of investment and reward, his choice is also influenced by a desire for status and prestige, a rational necessity driven by social perception and self-esteem.
Skipping a Social Event
Initial Belief: The Rationalist skips a social event, rationalizing that his time is better spent on personal projects and self-improvement.
Realization: He realizes that while his justification seems logical, it's also a way to avoid social anxiety or confrontation, indicating a rational necessity to protect his emotional well-being, not just optimize his time.
1.7 Ability To Do What You Want
PHYCHIST WILLING PROFILE
In Psychism, freedom is understood not as the ability to choose one's desires but as the capacity to act on those desires, acknowledging that desires are influenced by motives. Psychists believe that ideas, which give rise to motives, require a conscious being to actualize them. Therefore, the will or desire to act is not independent but is always linked to the strongest motive.
The cognitive process of a Psychist involves a deep interaction with motives. A Psychist views volition or the act of wanting as inseparable from the concept of motive. They believe that without a motive, the will is merely a latent capability. It is the motive that animates the will and gives direction to action. Therefore, a Psychist would argue that while one might have the freedom to act, the direction of one's will is invariably determined by the strongest motive. This perspective suggests that true freedom is not about arbitrarily deciding what to want but about the ability to follow through on the desires that emerge from one's interaction with motives.
However, this view also gives rise to the Psychist's illusion of freedom. If an individual's actions are compelled by the strongest motive, then the concept of freedom becomes questionable. For a Psychist, the critical inquiry is not whether one can execute a decision once made but rather how the decision is formulated within oneself. The essence of freedom, from this perspective, is tarnished if motives dictate one's will with an inescapable necessity. The Psychist grapples with the question of whether all motives exert an inevitable force, pondering the true nature of freedom when decisions and actions seem to be preordained by the strongest motives. This introspection leads to a nuanced understanding of freedom, one that transcends the mere ability to act and delves into the profound dynamics of how desires and motives shape and propel human action.
Step To Freedom 1.7: Advance from the freedom of being able to do what one wants, to questioning whether the action was compelled by the inescapable necessity of the strongest motive.
Ability to Do What You Want: This refers to the capacity to carry out actions in accordance with your wishes, desires, or intentions according to your talent and means.
Determined by the Strongest Motive: This means that your volition or decision-making is controlled by the most compelling reason or motive present at the time, often regardless of whether you are consciously aware of it or not.
Known Action
A Psychist strives for 'known action' by deeply understanding and acknowledging the motives that drive their desires and actions. In the Psychist's view, freedom is not merely the capacity to act but the profound comprehension of why one acts in a certain way. This understanding is rooted in the belief that desires and will are intrinsically linked to motives, which are not arbitrary but arise from the interaction of the individual with the surrounding ideas and influences.
The Psychist's cognitive process involves a thorough introspection and analysis of these motives. They seek to comprehend the strongest motives that animate their will and direct their actions, aiming for a conscious and deliberate engagement with these motives. This engagement allows the Psychist to achieve 'known action', where actions are not just executed but are understood in the context of the underlying motives.
However, this pursuit also confronts the Psychist with the illusion of freedom. The realization that actions might be driven by the strongest, and perhaps inescapable, motives leads to questioning the true nature of freedom.
Examples Of The Psychist's Act Of Will
Buying an Expensive Home
Initial Belief: The Psychist decides to buy an expensive home in an upscale neighborhood, thinking it's a choice made based on personal success and the desire for a comfortable lifestyle.
Realization: The Psychist understands he is driven not by freedom of choice but by the strongest motive of displaying wealth and achieving social validation. Acknowledges that the decision is heavily influenced by the perceived societal image associated with living in a prestigious area, rather than a genuine personal preference for the property.
Embarking on World Travel
Initial Belief: The Psychist decides to travel the world, believing it's a choice made out of a passion for adventure, cultural exploration, and personal freedom.
Realization: Realizes the decision is not entirely free but is compelled by the strongest motive of escaping from current life challenges. Recognizes that the urge to travel is significantly influenced by the fear of facing unresolved conflicts at home, rather than purely the love for travel or cultural curiosity.
Starting a Tech Blog
Initial Belief: The Psychist initiates a tech blog, thinking it's a manifestation of his passion for technology, desire to share knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Realization: Discovers the action is not as free as believed but is driven by the strongest motive of seeking recognition and establishing authority in the tech community. Acknowledges that the drive to create content and engage with the audience is heavily influenced by the desire for professional networking and personal branding, rather than solely by a passion for technology.
1.8 Unconditioned Will Impulse
PNEUMATIST WILLING PROFILE
Pneumatists locate freedom in the unconditioned will of the free spirit. An analogy is drawn between human freedom and the will of a free spirited donkey, implying that just as the donkey’s actions are driven by an internal, unconditioned will (spirit), so are human actions.
Pneumatism emphasizes that for beings to be truly free, they must not only harbor ideas but also have the capability to act upon them. This freedom of action is deemed possible only if the beings are individuals with their own unconditioned free will. The analogy with a donkey serves to illustrate this point: the donkey's actions, seemingly unconditioned and driven by an internal impulse, are paralleled to human actions, suggesting that human beings also act from an internal, unconditioned impulse.
The cognitive process of a Pneumatist involves equating human cognition with animal cognition, implying that just as the causes of a donkey's will are internal and hidden within its brain, so are the causes of human will. This perspective posits that both humans and animals act from an internal source that is not readily visible or understandable from the outside.
However, this viewpoint also leads to the Pneumatist's illusion of freedom. Because the internal causes of actions are invisible and deeply rooted within, there's a tendency to believe these causes do not exist, leading to the misconception that the will is entirely free and unconditioned. This illusion is further compounded by drawing analogies between human and animal behavior, overlooking the fact that humans, unlike animals, can become conscious of the reasons behind their actions. The Pneumatist's conception of freedom, therefore, navigates the complex terrain between recognizing the internal, unconditioned impulses that drive actions and understanding the illusion that arises when these internal causes remain hidden or misunderstood.
Step To Freedom 1.8: Advance from the freedom of an unconditioned will impulse, to questioning the existence of inner invisible causes that may have determined the act of will.
Unconditioned Will Impulse: This refers to an impulse to act that appears to emerge independently of external forces, seemingly an "absolute beginning" in the chain of causality.
Determined by an Internal Invisible Cause: This implies that what appears as unconditioned will or freedom is shaped by factors that are not immediately apparent or observable, potentially residing within the complexities of human consciousness or subconsciousness.
Known Action
The Pneumatist strives for 'known action' by endeavoring to understand and acknowledge the internal, unconditioned impulses that drive their actions. This worldview posits that true freedom arises not just from the ability to act but from grasping the spontaneous will impulse that propels these actions.
The cognitive process of a Pneumatist involves a profound engagement with the concept of unconditioned will, akin to the unconditioned instinctive will perceived in animals like the donkey. This process suggests that while the causes of human actions are internal and not immediately visible, there is a potential for individuals to become aware of these deep-seated motives, unlike animals.
However, this pursuit of 'known action' encounters the challenge of the Pneumatist's illusion of freedom. The difficulty lies in discerning the internal causes of one's actions, which are often concealed and complex. There's a tendency to misinterpret this lack of visibility as an absence of causation, leading to the misconception that the will is entirely free and unconditioned. The Pneumatist, therefore, seeks 'known action' by attempting to penetrate beyond this illusion, aiming to comprehend the true, unconditioned impulses that drive their will and actions, and thereby achieving a deeper, more authentic understanding of their freedom.
Examples Of The Pneumatist's Act Of Will
Solo Art Exhibition
Initial Belief: The Pneumatist decides to host a solo art exhibition on a whim, believing it to be an unconditioned expression of the desire to share personal artistic vision and creativity with the world.
Realization: Understands that the decision is connected to a subconscious response to a recent critique, driving a need to prove personal artistic worth and confront self-doubt, reflecting a complex interplay between individual spirit and the subconscious drive for artistic validation and overcoming of insecurities.
Ancient Philosophical Way of Life
Initial Belief: The Pneumatist experiences a sudden, intense pull to radically change his lifestyle to align with an ancient philosophical tradition, believing it to be an unconditioned aspiration to live a life of wisdom and virtue, independent of modern societal norms.
Realization: The Pneumatist realizes that this shift is profoundly influenced by a subconscious fascination with a historical figure encountered in a recently read biography, igniting a desire to emulate the figure's intellectual and spiritual depth. This realization unveils the subtle, subconscious influences of historical ideals and figures on one's personal life path.
Change in Lifestyle
Initial Belief: The Pneumatist undergoes a dramatic change in lifestyle and personal values, driven by what feels like an unconditioned impulse to align life more closely with inner convictions and beliefs.
Realization: The Pneumatist acknowledges that the shift is influenced by a recent profound experience, such as a near-death incident or a spiritual retreat, which ignited a subconscious reassessment of life's priorities, indicating that the unconditioned impulse is intricately tied to a deep, transformative introspection triggered by life-altering events.
1.9 Known Reason
MONADIST WILLING PROFILE
In Monadism, freedom is intricately linked to the concept of self-awareness and the profound understanding of one's inner motivations and thoughts. The Monadist perceives freedom as the ability to act based on a clear knowledge of the reasons behind one's actions, situating the essence of human freedom in the realm of conscious thought and self-reflection.
The Monad is conceived as a being that can construct its existence from within, pushing concepts and thoughts outward from its core. This self-contained process of thought generation and conceptualization is central to the Monadist's view of freedom. The cognitive process of a Monadist involves a deep introspection and a clear understanding of the origins and implications of one's thoughts, ensuring that actions are not just reactions but are deliberate and informed by an inner comprehension of their causes and purposes.
This perspective also reveals the Monadist's potential illusion of freedom. The illusion manifests when there is an incomplete comprehension of the nature and origin of one's thoughts, or when one fails to grasp what it truly means to engage in genuine thinking. If a Monadist acts without a profound understanding, mistakenly believing that superficial thoughts that lack depth and clarity are self-originated, then the perceived autonomy of action may be deceptive. Genuine freedom, from the Monadist viewpoint, is anchored in the authenticity and depth of thought and the deliberate origination of one's motivations and decisions from true thinking. It is this profound comprehension and genuine self-awareness that distinguish mere reactive behavior from truly free, intentional, and self-initiated action.
Step To Freedom 1.9: Advance from knowing the reason why an action is carried out, to questioning both the origin of the thought and whether the thought was the result of genuine thinking.
Known Reason: The clear and conscious understanding of the reasons, the justification for taking a particular action.
Origin of Thought: Refers to an in-depth awareness of where a specific idea, belief, or thought process comes from. It goes beyond mere awareness to include a comprehensive understanding of the thought processes that led to that reason.
Known Action
A Monadist pursues 'known action' by meticulously introspecting and understanding the underlying reasons for their actions, rooted in conscious thought and self-reflection. They aim to ensure their actions are intentional and originate from within themselves. This pursuit involves distinguishing genuine thinking from superficial thought and critically examining the roots of their thoughts, to ensure they are the originators of the action. Moreover, 'known action' requires recognizing that even known reasons for actions may be subtly influenced by deeper, hidden origins of thought, shaped by internal biases, social conditioning, or unconscious motives. This realization urges the Monadist to probe beyond surface reasons, delving into the foundational origins of thoughts.
Examples Of The Monadist's Act Of Will
Writing a Philosophical Treatise
Initial Belief: The Monadist embarks on writing a philosophical treatise, believing the inspiration and content to be a unique creation of his own thoughts and convictions, a true manifestation of his unique self.
Realization: The Monadist discovers that the treatise's themes and perspectives are heavily influenced by previously read authors and philosophers, realizing that what seemed like original thoughts were significantly shaped by the absorbed knowledge and viewpoints of others.
Technological Innovation
Initial Belief: The Monadist develops a novel technological solution, thinking the idea is a product of independent, creative thinking and a clear understanding of the technological needs.
Realization: The Monadist realizes that the concept for the solution was unconsciously shaped by a recent industry seminar and discussions with peers, indicating that the originality of the thought was influenced by external inputs rather than being an entirely self-originated creation.
Pursuing an Artistic Style
Initial Belief: The Monadist begins exploring a unique artistic style, convinced that the direction and expression are entirely self-conceived, originating from a deep inner artistic calling.
Realization: The Monadist acknowledges that the style, initially thought to be unique, was subconsciously influenced by a recent art exhibition and the works of a particular artist admired in the past, revealing that the artistic direction was not solely self-originated but was shaped by external artistic inspirations.
1.10 Force Of Heart
DYNAMIST WILLING PROFILE
In Dynamism, freedom is perceived through the prism of emotive forces, where the heart, with its capacity for love, compassion, and patriotism, is seen as the catalyst for actions that transcend mere intellectual reasoning. Dynamists locate human freedom in these emotional forces, arguing that the true impetus behind actions stems from the heart's response to motives, rather than cold, rational deliberation.
The cognitive process of a Dynamist, therefore, revolves around the belief that while the heart does not originate motives of action, it is the domain where emotional responses to pre-existing motives are felt and expressed. Actions are driven by these emotional forces, making the heart a powerful agent in the realization of will, although not its originator.
The illusion of freedom surfaces from the misconception that the heart alone motivates action. In reality, motives are formed by thoughts and exist prior to being assessed by the heart's sensibility. The heart's emotions are reactions to these 'thought' motives, which genuinely dictate the course of action. Understanding this distinction—that the heart responds to and amplifies motives rather than creating them—highlights the Dynamist's view of freedom: it is not the unfettered reign of emotion, but the interplay of thought motives and their emotional amplification in the heart that guides human actions.
Step To Freedom 1.10: Advance from prioritizing the compassionate heart's influence over reason in directing actions, to questioning emotional impulses and acknowledging the essential interplay between the heart and mind in shaping human action.
Driving Force of Heart: This refers to the emotional motivation that propels individuals to act out of deep empathy and concern for others. The heart prevails over reason.
Compassion is Aroused by Thought: This indicates that the emotional states don't arise spontaneously but are aroused by the thoughts that appear in the mind.
Known Action
A Dynamist strives for 'known action' by recognizing and valuing the heart's emotional responses to motives as a significant driver of actions, while also understanding that these emotions are not the originators of motives but rather powerful amplifiers of pre-existing thoughts. The pursuit of 'known action' involves a conscious acknowledgment of the interplay between the heart's emotional force and the mind's rational deliberations, aiming to harmonize both in guiding actions. This approach challenges the illusion that freedom from the intellect is found in a compassionate heart, promoting a balanced perspective where freedom is seen as the result of both heartfelt emotional responses and thoughtful, reasoned considerations.
Examples Of The Dynamist's Act Of Will
Wilderness Expedition
Initial Belief: The Dynamist sets out on a challenging wilderness expedition, driven by a deep, emotive longing for adventure and connection with nature, believing that the heart's calling surpasses any need for meticulous preparation or practical concerns.
Realization: The Dynamist recognizes that surviving and thriving in the wilderness requires not just passion but also a practical understanding of survival skills, navigation, and risk assessment, leading to an appreciation of the critical balance between the heart's desire for adventure and the mind's need for careful planning and situational awareness.
Pursuing a Music Career
Initial Belief: The Dynamist decides to pursue a career in music, guided solely by a profound love for the art and the emotional fulfillment it brings, placing passion over practical considerations.
Realization: The Dynamist acknowledges that sustaining a career in music also requires understanding the industry, marketing one's skills, and often making strategic decisions, leading to the recognition of the essential balance between following one's heart and engaging the mind in practical matters.
Adopting a Child
Initial Belief: The Dynamist decides to adopt a child, moved by a profound sense of love and the desire to provide a nurturing home, prioritizing emotional instincts over logical considerations.
Realization: The Dynamist realizes that parenting an adopted child involves not only love but also understanding the child's background, addressing legal aspects, and preparing for various challenges, leading to an appreciation of the blend of heartfelt emotion and mindful deliberation in shaping this life-changing decision.
1.11 Idolized Love
PHENOMENALIST WILLING PROFILE
In Phenomenalism, freedom is intimately connected to the appearance of phenomena, particularly the phenomenon of love, which not only shapes perception but also motivates action. Phenomenalists hold that the human being is most free when acting out of love. An investigation into the appearance of love reveals that it is deeply shaped by the idealistic thoughts formed about the beloved. This worldview contends that one can only speak of what appears to them, not claiming any deeper reality beyond this experience.
The cognitive process of a Phenomenalist centers around describing and interpreting phenomena, like love, as it appears to them. Love, in this view, is not an objective reality but a feeling that intensifies with the idealism of one's thoughts about the beloved. The more idealistic and lofty these thoughts are, the more profound and blissful the experience of love becomes. Thought is seen as the progenitor of feeling, shaping the experience of love into something sublime.
This perspective also introduces the Phenomenalist's illusion of freedom. While love may appear as an idealized, blissful experience, it's crucial to recognize that this feeling is contingent upon the thoughts one projects onto the beloved. The notion that "all you need is love" is challenged by the understanding that love itself is dependent on the quality and idealism of one's thoughts. Thus, the freedom experienced in love is not an absolute or unconditional freedom but one that is mediated and shaped by the individual's thoughts and perceptions, highlighting the role of subjective cognition in defining the experience of phenomena like love.
Step to Freedom 1.11: Advance from acting purely out of love, to questioning the authenticity and influence of the idealistic thoughts that idolize the object of love and arouses emotion.
Act out of Love: Refers to actions driven by strong emotional affection or attachment toward another person, animal, or even an idea or object.
Idolized Love: An elevated form of affection that arises from idealistic thoughts about the beloved, where the intensity and bliss of love are proportionate to the loftiness and purity of these thoughts.
Known Action
Understanding that love is not just an unfettered feeling but is influenced by thoughts is crucial for known action. Known action involves making choices based on full awareness of what drives you, including your thoughts, motives, and underlying emotional triggers.
A Phenomenalist strives for 'known action' by recognizing and critically examining the thoughts that shape their perception and experience of emotional phenomena, particularly love. They understand that while love can manifest as a powerful motivating force for action, its depth and intensity are significantly influenced by their subjective thoughts about the beloved. This introspection ensures that actions, though motivated by emotions like love, are consciously aligned with a deeper awareness of how these emotions are idealized and shaped by personal thoughts.
This approach challenges the illusion of freedom by acknowledging that the experience of love, and consequently the actions it inspires, are profoundly influenced by the individual's subjective cognition, making 'known action' a product of understanding and navigating the intricate relationship between thoughts, emotions, and perceived reality.
Examples Of The Phenomenalist's Act Of Will
Idolization of a Child
Initial Belief: The Phenomenalist sees their child as a perfect embodiment of talent and virtue, believing that their child is destined for greatness and exceptional achievements.
Realization: The Phenomenalist begins to question whether this idolization is influenced by their own aspirations and desires for the child, recognizing that this idealized view may overlook the child's individuality and true interests, and might be more reflective of the parent's unfulfilled dreams or societal expectations of success.
Admiration for a Revolutionary
Initial Belief: The Phenomenalist idolizes a political revolutionary, viewing them as a symbol of change and the epitome of courage and moral integrity, driven by a deep emotional connection to the revolutionary's cause and ideals.
Realization: The Phenomenalist starts to reflect on how much of this admiration is shaped by the idealized narrative created around the revolutionary, questioning the influence of propaganda, selective historical accounts, or personal disenchantment with the current political system on their perception, and acknowledging the complexity and potential moral ambiguity in the revolutionary's actions and ideology.
Adopting a Rescued Pet
Initial Belief: The Phenomenalist adopts a rescued animal, driven by a strong emotional attachment and a desire to provide a loving home, believing this decision is a pure expression of love and compassion.
Realization: The Phenomenalist begins to question the idealism behind the decision, recognizing that the emotional attachment was also influenced by the societal portrayal of rescue animals and the identity of being a 'savior,' highlighting the role of subjective thoughts in shaping the experience of love.
1.12 Seeing The Good
SENSATIONALIST WILLING PROFILE
In Sensationalism, freedom is intricately linked to the capacity to perceive and acknowledge the good in the world through sense-impressions. Sensationalists are motivated when seeing the good qualities in others. This perception of goodness is not just a passive observation but an active engagement with reality, forming a perception-picture that ignites love and appreciation.
The cognitive process of a Sensationalist involves a refined attention to the sensory world, peeling away layers of intellectual interpretation to focus solely on what the senses directly experience. By doing so, a Sensationalist forms a unique perception-picture that includes the positive qualities in others that are often ignored, leading to the awakening of love. This process highlights the Sensationalist's belief that freedom lies in the ability to form these perception-pictures, which are regarded as genuine messages from reality, offering a direct and unmediated connection with the goodness in the world.
However, this worldview also presents the Sensationalist's illusion of freedom. While love is seen as opening one's eyes to the goodness in others, it is also said that love can make one blind to the flaws. This suggests that while Sensationalists find freedom in their acute perception of goodness, this perception may also be selective or subjective, potentially overlooking other aspects of reality. The freedom experienced by Sensationalists, therefore, involves a delicate balance between the pure appreciation of good qualities through sense-impressions and the recognition that this perception might also be selective or influenced by the emotion of love.
Step to Freedom 1.12: Advance from the experience of love awakening by seeing good qualities, to questioning how our perception has been determined by the perceptual picture we construct of the object.
Seeing the Good: This term refers to the ability to recognize and appreciate positive traits, behaviors, or qualities in someone or some thing.
Perception-Picture of Good Qualities: This state describes the picture of the world that an individual constructs in the perception process which encapsulates the good qualities they perceive. This picture significantly influences how one feels and behaves in a situation.
Perception-Picture
The "perception-picture" refers to the immediate, in-the-moment perception of another person's positive traits. This means that as you encounter someone, your senses and cognitive processes work together to form a perceptual picture or snapshot that captures the good qualities you see in them right at that time. This immediate perception then serves as the basis for feelings, such as love, and subsequent actions.
Known Action
A Sensationalist strives for 'known action' by actively engaging with the world through refined sensory perceptions, recognizing the qualities of things. This active engagement leads to the formation of perception-pictures, deeply influencing their motivation for action. In their pursuit of 'known action', Sensationalists prioritize the clarity and authenticity of sensory experiences, believing these to be direct messages from reality that guide meaningful and genuine actions.
Our actions aren't just spontaneous emotional responses but are guided by our mental frameworks. Sensationalists face the challenge of ensuring that their actions are not merely reactions to selective or subjective perceptions. Understanding that this snapshot-like perception influences our actions is crucial for 'known action'—action that is consciously guided rather than impulsively driven. By acknowledging and questioning the influence of perception-pictures on their experience of love and actions, Sensationalists aim to align their actions more closely with a comprehensive and genuine understanding of the world as conveyed through their senses.
Examples Of The Sensationalist's Act Of Will
Experiencing a Sunrise
Initial Belief: The Sensationalist witnesses a breathtaking sunrise while hiking, perceiving the beauty and serenity as a direct sensory affirmation of the world's inherent goodness and harmony.
Realization: The Sensationalist begins to question how this sensory experience of the sunrise is augmented by personal associations with peace and beauty, acknowledging that the perception of this natural phenomenon might also be colored by past experiences or societal portrayals of nature, shaping the sensation of 'seeing the good.'
Tasting Artisanal Cuisine
Initial Belief: The Sensationalist savors an artisanal dish at a local gourmet restaurant, seeing the good in the intricate flavors and craftsmanship, believing this sensory experience to be a direct expression of culinary art and quality.
Realization: The Sensationalist reflects on how this taste experience is influenced by expectations set by food critics and cultural trends in cuisine, understanding that the sensory perception of the dish's goodness might also be shaped by the hype surrounding artisanal food, influencing the sensation of taste and the concept of 'good' in culinary art.
Touching Handcrafted Textiles
Initial Belief: The Sensationalist feels the texture of handcrafted textiles at a market, seeing the good in the craftsmanship and the tactile quality, believing this sensory experience to be a direct connection to traditional artistry and authenticity.
Realization: The Sensationalist contemplates how this tactile experience is influenced by idealized notions of handcraftsmanship and authenticity, understanding that the perception of the textile's goodness is also shaped by societal admiration for handmade products, influencing the sensation of touch and the appreciation of 'good' in craftsmanship.
This concludes our study of human willing through the lens of the twelve distinct worldviews and their diverse perspectives on freedom. The next phase of our journey is Chapter 2, "The Fundamental Desire for Knowledge." Profiles derived from this chapter will deepen our understanding by examining how each of the 12 worldviews approach the pursuit of knowledge.
Recognizing the intricate relationship between action, freedom, and knowledge, it becomes evident that a thorough investigation into the origin of our thoughts is imperative. Only by unraveling the roots of our thinking can we truly grasp the essence of human action. Therefore, we will delve into the fundamental desire that propels each worldview in its unique pursuit of understanding, setting the stage for a profound examination of the very nature of human cognition and its role in our continuous quest for truth and self-realization.
