How much free will does a person really have? According to Zeno of Citium not much.
“When a dog is tied to a cart, if it wants to follow, it is pulled and follows, making its spontaneous act coincide with necessity. But if the dog does not follow, it will be compelled in any case. So it is with men too: even if they don’t want to, they will be compelled to follow what is destined.”
Free will is constrained by obligations, customs, fears, desires and many other external circumstances. Just like the dog tied to the cart you are free to go to the end of your leash but compelled by it to follow the cart.
Photo Nurit’s dream dog.
