We often hear that this or that person is “naturally gifted” in a specific realm or that each of us is put on Earth for a specific purpose. On this theory, the height of wisdom is to figure out what your “natural endowments” are and then cultivate them. Alluring as this idea is, it obscures the fact that we have free will and that, despite predispositions, we get to choose what we want to become.

 

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Also check out: 

“The Metaphysical Versus the Man-Made” by Ayn Rand: https://amzn.to/2AlgwXz

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck: https://amzn.to/2CRzaam

The Hero Show, Episode 2: Life Lessons from Benjamin Franklin: https://youtu.be/CJIUqX7FFlc

Muggsy Bogues Highlights: https://youtu.be/lOGj8qM6hQ0

“Seven Poems Celebrating Free Will” by various authors: https://www.theobjectivestandard.com/2019/02/seven-poems-celebrating-free-will/