Free Will
and Choice

Stick with me and learn what might have been the cause behind your choices. But first, let's start by dissecting the meaning of "Free Will"...

For most of us, the term "Free Will" is quite familiar. It basically refers to a certain capacity that we -as rational beings- have, to choose a course of action from among a variety of alternatives. Pretty simple, but... what makes us choose one thing over another?

Most philosophers would agree that the concept of free will is intimately linked to that of moral responsibility. On laymen’s terms, acting from "free will", requires being aware of and taking responsibility for the consequences that our actions may or may not produce.

Assuming that most people in the world were taught responsibility, why is it then that many fall by the sidelines acting irresponsibly towards themselves, towards other human beings, and towards the environment? In other words, why do we do what we do?

The answer to this question may very well be in the "Hierarchy of Needs" by Abraham Maslow. Maslow’s theory may help you better understand human behavior, including your own.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow first introduced his concept of a Hierarchy of Needs in his paper "A Theory of Human Motivation", published in 1943 and later on in his book, "Motivation and Personality". This hierarchy proposes that individuals are motivated to fulfill their basic needs before moving on to get other needs.

Maslow’s theory dictates that these needs are like instincts and play a major role in motivating behavior. When the basic needs are not met, it becomes almost impossible to pursue other things in life or achieve higher needs.

When these needs are met, it is unlikely that we create unpleasant feelings, conditions or results in our life. However, when these basic needs are not met, our choices might be affected (or biased) in spite of our free will. This happens due to our innate instinct for well-being.

The fifth level of needs is the highest-level of the pyramid. These were termed by Maslow as the Growth Needs, the Being Needs or B-needs. Once all the D-needs are met, the desire for personal development emerges from B-needs. These needs do not come about as a result of lack of something, but instead from a desire, a want, a pursuit of growth as a individual. From this position, you can fully execute your free will and your choices.

If you want to take a deeper look into your own behaviors as well as increase your understanding of the motivations behind other people’s choices and actions, I recommend you read: "Awareness Building and Consciousness Raising Facts"

Moreover, your personal growth path will be facilitated because you will know yourself that much more! From disgrace and apathy to pride-fullness and bravery, you will learn how behaviors can be tracked down to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs!

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