Dressing the Mind: Reconciling Free Will and Determinism from a Relativistic Perspective
For instance, there are debates about whether humans possess free will or if everything is predetermined, leaving no room for free will.
In addressing such unresolved issues, I tend to evaluate them based on their relevance and utility to my own life. Until very recently, I believed it was better to think we possess free will since the alternative drained my enthusiasm for deep thought. However, after reading an article, I learned that some people find it easier to live under the belief that everything is predetermined, completely negating the concept of free will.
Upon reading this, it resonated with me. Some people simply find life easier with such a viewpoint. Hence, determinism isn’t merely a rejection of free will but rather a philosophy that offers solace and courage to those who subscribe to it.
While I’m inclined to see the value in believing in free will, I’ve come to understand that there are people who benefit more from rejecting it. Thus, rather than debating which notion — free will or determinism — is the absolute truth, we might be better served by figuring out which one best fits us individually.
Inspired by this, I propose the concept of “relativistic thinking” in this article.
Questions like how should one live their life have been pondered throughout history, yet no universal answer has been found. Perhaps, there isn’t one.
It’s similar to choosing an outfit. Everyone should simply pick what suits them best.
I’ll label this idea as “relativistic thinking.”
Choosing Clothes
Bright and flashy outfits, subdued attire, trendy garments, timeless classics, mature looks, youthful styles. Unless in specific circumstances, what one chooses to wear is personal and varies significantly.
Few people would seriously debate what kind of clothes are universally “right” or “wrong” for humanity. Of course, overly flamboyant or unclean attire might perplex or discomfort those around us. Others might assess a person’s outfit based on its appropriateness or how well it represents the wearer’s personality.
We judge our own outfits in much the same way, adding personal criteria like comfort or how the clothes make us feel.
Some might avidly follow fashion trends, while others might stick to their tried-and-true styles. Some rely on family members to purchase their clothes.
There’s no “correct” choice — it all boils down to personal satisfaction.
A Relativistic Perspective
Some people go out of their way to be kind, even at their own expense. Others tirelessly chase their dreams. Some excel professionally, while others simply aim for a peaceful life. Many struggle under the weight of societal expectations.
Some are outspoken; others prioritize harmony and restraint. Some tackle challenges head-on, while others divert and distract themselves. Some remain ever optimistic, while others are often burdened by past regrets and future anxieties.
Isn’t that okay? Like choosing an outfit, maybe there isn’t a one-size-fits-all philosophy or guideline for life.
Don’t force yourself into a mindset that doesn’t suit you, just like you wouldn’t wear clothes that don’t fit.
By assuming there’s only one right way to think or live, we end up feeling constrained within society’s diverse personalities. This is the essence of relativistic thinking.
The Essence of Relativistic Thinking
Just because there’s no universal “outfit” for everyone doesn’t mean we don’t need fashion designers, stylists, models, or influencers. Advice from family and friends remains invaluable. Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide: whether to buy, wear handed-down clothes, or stick to our usual attire.
The same goes for relativistic thinking. Even if there’s no absolute “correct” way to live, philosophers, positive thinkers, and advisors still play important roles. Advice and guidance from loved ones are still cherished. Ultimately, it’s up to us to decide: to find our own way, emulate someone we admire, or to live without much contemplation.
But remember, experts might not always have the perfect answer tailored for you.
Just as not everyone can pull off high-end brands, not everyone might resonate with a highly ambitious lifestyle. Like some who don’t feel better in brightly colored clothes, there’s no need to force oneself into positive thinking.
While eco-friendly and ethical clothing might be the ideal, changing one’s entire wardrobe isn’t feasible for everyone. Not everyone can be kind in every circumstance. Just as one can enjoy fashion without being an expert, many find their own philosophies in life without deep contemplation.
Finding what truly fits and resonates with you is something only you can do.
Utilizing Relativistic Thinking
There are people who wear clothes that don’t suit them or make choices that negatively impact their mood or lifestyle. Although that’s their prerogative, I believe it’s a waste if just a little bit of effort or advice from someone could change things for the better.
If someone consciously chooses their current attire, then that’s fine. However, many might be struggling, wanting to change but not knowing how. Having a guideline to help choose better clothing would be beneficial.
This guideline is simple, but can be applied by many. By replacing the clothing-related parts, you can understand this guideline as a way to find a lifestyle or mindset that suits you.
Observe
Observe what people around you are wearing. The more you observe, the more you’ll recognize your own preferences. If you find someone with similar tastes, what suits them might also suit you. If not, even if you like their style, it may not look as you imagined on yourself.
Seek Advice
It’s good to seek advice from fashionable family members, friends, or experts. Sometimes, we don’t truly recognize our own strengths and preferences. Objective opinions from those knowledgeable can offer valuable insights.
Experiment and Challenge
Let go of your preconceptions and try on clothes you’ve never worn before. If the price is right, consider purchasing them. Even if you think something is too flashy, you might end up liking it once you try it on. Feel free to experiment with various styles.
Persist Until You Get It Right
There’s no need to rush. Repeat the above steps until you’re satisfied. Not just in your imagination, but by observing, seeking advice, and trying things out, you should be able to find clothing that truly fits.
Balancing with Society and Exceptional Limitations
From a societal perspective, where many people coexist, it’s impossible to accept everything without limits, even if we value the freedom to choose. Ethical considerations and the greater good of society cannot be ignored.
From a relativistic viewpoint, which believes there are no absolute values and each individual should choose for themselves, societal restrictions should ideally be minimized.
Therefore, it’s appropriate to establish only essential exceptions.
Regarding inner thoughts, there’s the concept of freedom of thought and belief, and it’s essentially impossible to limit. So, the focus is on limiting actions.
First and foremost, criminal acts are forbidden.
Next, imposing one’s beliefs on others is also a no-go, as is condemning another’s beliefs. These are the few exceptions to relativistic thinking. Without these limits, relativistic thinking wouldn’t function. This limitation is essential.
Moreover, whether or not to impose additional restrictions in extreme societal situations should be decided by society itself.
If society chooses not to limit this freedom even at the risk of its survival, then that’s acceptable. Alternatively, under the premise that imminent societal collapse can be averted with certain restrictions, it’s conceivable for a society to agree on temporary limitations. Even without such an immediate threat, societies might agree on necessary daily restrictions.
This isn’t about which approach is right, but about the consensus within each society. Even at the societal level, these matters can be viewed through the lens of relativistic thinking.
In Conclusion
A few years ago, a certain apparel brand had the slogan, “What will you wear to live tomorrow?” I loved the sound of that. When I thought of comparing relativistic thinking to clothing, I remembered this phrase. It’s perfectly fine to wear different types of clothing today and tomorrow.
In this article, using the analogy of choosing clothes, I introduced the perspective of relativistic thinking.
From an individual’s perspective, the kind of thinking that fits varies from person to person. Finding a mindset that fits might lead to a less painful and happier life.
However, even that is subjective. Accepting pain without pursuing happiness is also a valid perspective. Excluding them, if you want to escape current hardships and unhappiness, it might be beneficial to reassess your mindset from a relativistic viewpoint.
Changing one’s style might be challenging, but it’s not impossible. The starting point is to realize that change is possible.
From a societal perspective, I also discussed the topic of exceptional limitations. Excluding these exceptions, people are free to choose their mindset. Instead of pondering what’s right, it’s more appropriate to consider how one thinks.
Even without a single absolute answer, we can coexist. After all, even if we wear different clothes, we can still work and laugh together.
