The Will in Nature: Does Human Will Even Exist?
The human will is a widely discussed topic in philosophy and spirituality. A central question is: Does free human will exist, or is what we perceive as decision-making power determined by external forces and collective influences? This article explores the connection between humans and nature and examines the concepts of collective will and mental gravity.
The Role of Nature and Collective Will
In many areas of human experience, it becomes apparent that decisions are not always the result of free will, but are often strongly influenced by external factors. Social trends such as fashion or ideologies can unconsciously guide people, giving the impression that certain decisions have been made independently. However, many of these decisions are, in fact, expressions of a collective agreement.
The concept of mental gravity suggests that an individual’s thoughts and beliefs are often not isolated but shaped by collective thinking. Examples of this are social currents, such as fashion trends or cultural phenomena. People tend to orient themselves to what is accepted and widespread in their surroundings. The will to do or acquire certain things may therefore be the result of an invisible collective influence.
Parallels Between Nature and Human Will
An interesting analogy can be found in nature, such as in the behavior of bees. A bee pollinates flowers, but the question arises whether this is an expression of its free will or a programmed behavior that serves the survival of the entire bee colony. This example shows that even in nature, decisions are often based on collective structures rather than individual willpower.
Similarly to bees, humans often act within social and economic structures that influence their decisions. Career paths, consumer decisions, and other aspects of life are often shaped by the social, economic, or cultural conditions in which people live. The individual’s will may seem free, but it is often closely tied to the structures that surround them.
Human Will and the Gravity of the Mind
The Canadian psychologist Jordan B. Peterson has shown in his research on lobsters that a hierarchy quickly forms within a group of lobsters. He applied these findings to humans, who display similar behavioral patterns. When people come together in groups, the question of who will take leadership also arises. This again demonstrates that will is often not as free as it may seem. People tend to follow leaders and social hierarchies.
In extreme situations, such as in the military, it becomes clear how individual will is subordinated to the collective will of the commanding authority. A soldier often acts according to the will of his superior, who in turn follows the will of an even higher authority. This raises the question of whose will is actually being executed. The individual will is often shaped and influenced by external circumstances and hierarchies.
These reflections lead to the realization that an individual’s will often does not come from an independent, inner source but is shaped by external influences. The human will is often the result of information and influences from outside and not necessarily the product of independent thought.
Reflecting on one’s own will and its limitations allows for a deeper understanding of one’s actions and decisions. This insight also helps to better understand concepts such as fate and the role of humans in the world. An example of this is William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, in which Macbeth’s actions are determined by the witches’ prophecies. Although Macbeth believes he is acting freely, he ultimately follows the foretold events.
Contemplating one’s own will opens up the possibility of consciously shaping life and gaining deeper spiritual insights.