Free will and you.

[robvalue]

Hey, I've read some threads about free will and watched Sam Harris debate etc. I find it really interesting and can't get it off my mind for some reason, but my question right now is: How has your beliefs/views on free will affected your life, if in any way at all?

Well.. that's a difficult question!

If there is no free will, then it has only made the difference it was going to make no matter what.

I've realised "free will" is such a badly defined concept as to be nearly useless. I've accepted that the real control I have over myself is a tiny fraction of what it appears to be, if I have any at all. It doesn't bother me. It is what it is.

I suppose it makes me somewhat more understanding of horrible people, because I'm aware of how little control they really have, especially if they had a disastrous start to life. That's not to excuse their behaviour, but to understand. I think we're (almost) completely driven by our subconscious.