Is determinism real?

[sadcel]

I have long reflected about this, and it is obviously true that total free will is a complete illusion. Beyond the discussion about if every event is already scripted, I don't care. I don't see how this discussion fulfills the purpose of reducing your own suffering, but I'll tell you something about it.

The fact is that causality is real, and if you have the opportunity to meet these kind of discussions, then it means it was scripted. Although scripted, this means that this new gained self awareness of how reality works means that the kind of beliefs you hold onto will make the difference. Believing yourself to be a total prisoner of circumstance conditions a natural responde of depression and nihilism, which further digs you down on a deeper hole. It is more about how we are conditioning ourselves from moment to moment (this is not necessary of everyone, but just an example of how different beliefs condition different responses).

I guess on has to embark on a long journey of self reflection to attempt and break free of naturally conditioned response product of the past, though it is very hard. The natural conditioning is that of repetition and compulsivity. One has to see oneself as a dynamical closed system which reinforces itself.

Understanding that there is not much free will is kind of depressing and nihilistic indeed, I admit it. But talking from experience, It's not worse than thinking that everything is on your own hands(not true) which makes you depressed in return as it never turns out the way you wanted.

People work because their family didn't acquire generational wealth, choosing your degree in university and career doesn't matter because you need to work.

"I'm a victim to no one." = I am a victim to everything not under my control that made me take that particular decision, and I cope by thinking I have free will as it makes me happy for choosing my own path to "success".

 

[Jack the Ripper]

Man can do what he wills but he cannot will what he wills,

 

[JayJay]

Man can do what he wills but he cannot will what he wills,

 

[Jack the Ripper]

 

[JayJay]

Understanding that there is not much free will is kind of depressing and nihilistic indeed, I admit it. But talking from experience, It's not worse than thinking that everything is on your own hands(not true) which makes you depressed in return as it never turns out the way you wanted.

People work because their family didn't acquire generational wealth, choosing your degree in university and career doesn't matter because you need to work.

"I'm a victim to no one." = I am a victim to everything not under my control that made me take that particular decision, and I cope by thinking I have free will as it makes me happy for choosing my own path to "success".

Although, you can take yourself both perspectives to be truth in their own way, but just in regards to reducing your own suffering, or as I mentioned earlier, I see it that way.

The most dangerous thing about life is that everything composes itself based on previous causes and conditions. This cumulative effect is very dangerous because it means that if there are not loops of referential consciousness that act like a mirror to your own life (therapist, journaling, ...), this means that you are living like a robot, and when you are living unconsciously, the potential for damage is greater.

Knowing that determinism is real doesn't reduce my suffering by itself. Everything is scripted after all, and thus this conversation. But for others it can reduce attachment to results and guilt about the past. Though, it produces a me a new gained responsibility to cultivate good causes and conditions that alleviate my suffering, even if all of this was already scripted, and my natural tendencies were that of taking care of myself, I guess there is no other option for me than take advantage of this instead of living in complete unconscious darkness. Perhaps it is a "win-loss".