Free Will, Judge Judy, and Me: Navigating Life's Maze with a Book in Hand

I?must admit I suffer from the persistent and consistent illusion that most of life's ponderous questions and problems can be overcome by reading every book (ever written) dedicated to understanding the human condition through psychology.?

You will find my approach disappointing if you are looking for THE ANSWER.?We homo-sapiens, without question, are works in progress.?

Most recently, I have plowed through a book called Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will . The following is a summary of the content:?

"Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will" by Robert Sapolsky is a significant work that challenges conventional views on free will. Sapolsky asserts that the concept of free will is an illusion. He argues that combining our genes, environment, and experiences shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This perspective implies that factors beyond our control predetermine many choices and actions."

Science is always trying to veto or validate what soothsayers, psychics, and sages accept through their mystical powers. The magical approach may be more humane as it includes less judgment. One key point Sapolsky asserts is how we quickly judge and punish people for behaviors we assume they have more control over.?

And unfortunately, many take delight in seeking retribution and vengeance to ensure our version of justice is served.?

For no reason I can remember, I recently saw a clip of the one and only Judge Judy . The Judge (and I do find Judge Judy very, very judgy) was in full-fledged righteous indignation, complete with multiple facial contortions, indicating her utter disgust with the defendants in her courtroom. She finally ruled against the ex-husband Gerry and his new mate Jackie.??

When this pair had exhausted legal means of resolution and did not get what they wanted, they devolved into terroristic tactics in the hopes of ruining the life of the custodial parent, Betty Ann, who was trying to care for her children.?

Gerry and Jackie decided on their own that Betty Ann did not deserve custody of the children despite the family court's findings and rulings.?

When Betty Ann tried to move on with her life, setting up a new residence in a new neighborhood, Jackie decided it would be a good idea to post libelous flyers about Betty Ann, calling her an unfit mother and warning the new neighbors not to trust her.?

YIKES! Who behaves this way??

People who distrust the law don't think clearly and probably have never seen examples of how you access and understand legal advice -?exposure to the idea that the law is the letter of the law and its implications.

Gerry and Jackie's reactions likely came from a visceral or primal response. Jealousy was probably involved. Fear was a driver. Scarcity was in the mix (Child support was an issue).?

Although I found their choices reprehensible, after immersing myself in the book?Determined, I recognized they may not have had as much free will as is commonly believed. We are more a product of our circumstances than we acknowledge.?

Can you take a moment, take a nice deep breath, and forgive yourself for a choice that turned out to be a poor one??

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