Chapter 1: Understanding Our Limited Agency

The Luck Of The Draw

We all yearn for mastery over our futures, a desire ingrained in our very nature. However, the reality is that we possess only a modest capacity to adjust our strategies as life unfolds.

This slight influence granted to us by evolution is influenced by the varying capabilities of our frontal lobe, which governs essential functions such as behavior inhibition, patience, option assessment, learning from past experiences, planning, and executing tasks in a timely manner. While we rightfully value these abilities, we must avoid conflating them with the power to mold our lives into our envisioned forms within any desired timeframe. Overestimating our agency can lead to crippling crises of self-esteem and confidence, turning potentially valuable learning experiences into sources of distress.

No one can choose their mental strengths and weaknesses, nor the majority of their life circumstances. We receive the hand we are dealt; all that remains is for us to play those cards to the best of our ability.

Chapter 2: The Complexity of Free Will

I am currently developing a more comprehensive exploration of Free Will, intending to release it later this year. The goal is to help us release the weight of blame, thereby allowing us to tackle life’s hurdles more effectively and with greater joy.

While I continue to refine my understanding of how we can be both empowered and free from blame, I have begun to address this theme through my comic creations. This work serves as a reflection on the duality of blame; while we are not solely responsible for our failures, we also cannot take full credit for our achievements. Our successes, though worthy of celebration, often arise from a blend of fortunate circumstances beyond our influence, as Malcolm Gladwell would suggest.

We can certainly strive and work hard, but in the end, we are merely utilizing what we have at our disposal to attain our desires, much like every other organism in existence.

"Luck Of The Draw" - This video delves into how chance influences our life choices and outcomes.

"Sammy Rae & The Friends - Luck Of The Draw | 101.9 KINK | PNC Live Studio Session" - A lively performance exploring themes of luck and opportunity.

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