Maya!

Imagine if we could go back in time and perform an intriguing experiment—what if we switched baby Gandhi with baby Hitler? These two individuals are iconic benchmarks in history, representing completely opposite personalities. What would happen if they were placed in each other’s shoes? Would their destinies change, or would history unfold in the same way?

No one truly knows what the outcome of this experiment would be. However, it’s likely that the results would remain the same. Why? Because baby Gandhi, raised in the environment that shaped Hitler, would likely develop the same perception of the world, politics, power, wars, and ideology as Hitler did. And the same could be said for baby Hitler, who would grow up under the influence of the conditions that shaped Gandhi. They would probably fit into each other's roles seamlessly.

If this scenario plays out as expected, it would suggest a fascinating conclusion: our environment significantly shapes who we become. This thought brings us to another profound aspect of our existence—free will.

Free will has been one of the most debated topics in the history of human philosophy. Some argue that free will exists, while others believe it does not. For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume that free will doesn’t exist. Why would we make such a conclusion? If this topic piques your interest, feel free to check out my other blog on free will by clicking this link.

Now, why might we conclude that free will doesn’t exist? The human mind works in mysterious ways. Every decision we’ve made since birth has been a reaction to a stimulus. Consider this: your first cry as a baby when you were hungry was a reaction. Even today, when you clicked on this blog, it was a response to something that intrigued you. Every decision is dependent on something else, which leads to the conclusion that our decisions aren’t entirely independent, and therefore, free will might not exist.

This perspective also helps us understand why, in our experiment, baby Hitler growing up in Gandhi’s environment would turn out to be more like Gandhi, and vice versa. If free will doesn’t exist, everything we do is merely a reaction to our environment. We are like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, fitting into our roles without any inherent shape of our own.

So, does this mean our lives are governed by external stimuli? The answer is probably yes.

Looking at the bigger picture, life begins to resemble a complex web of actions and reactions that make up the world. From major geopolitical issues to everyday decisions, everything is interconnected. We are, in essence, part of a chain or a domino effect.

For instance, imagine you’re driving, and suddenly the traffic light turns red. You hit the brakes, and the car behind you does the same after seeing your brake lights. This chain reaction continues down the line. The last car in that line might not even know why you hit the brakes, yet it still reacts by stopping. Similarly, countless actions and reactions shape our decisions every day, from small choices to significant ones. We don’t always know where these chain reactions start; they might be entirely random or perhaps part of a meticulously planned and programmed sequence, leading us to make decisions that seem destined.

This interconnectedness might remind you of what some call “Maya”—the illusion that forms our reality. From my perspective, it’s a fascinating concept that underscores the profound impact of our environment on who we become and the decisions we make.

It's all a web where we live under the illusion of free will, believing that we have control over making our lives better, smoother, and more peaceful. In our pursuit of these things in the outer world, we often fail to realize the vast illusion that we are truly living in.

But this was all about the problem—so what’s the solution? And does this even constitute a problem?

The "problem" with this whole system is that it lacks a filter. Everything that influences us, whether good or bad, shapes who we become. If we are surrounded by positivity, we contribute positively to society. But if we live in a dark, negative environment, our mental conditioning can also become dark. Today, many of us are in pursuit of materialistic pleasure and peace—finding satisfaction in cars, bank balances, houses, and success. However, true pleasure doesn't exist outside of us.

To experience continuous pleasure and peace, you either need to completely break free from this web or install a filter. To completely break away from the system means reaching a state where you no longer find happiness in blooming flowers or sadness in seeing a friend in pain. In this state, the stimuli for happiness and pain become the same, meaning they hold no power over you. This is the point where you can conclude that your decisions are no longer influenced by external factors—where you develop true free will.

On the other hand, the filter is a system you install while still being within the system. It acts like a firewall for your brain, detecting and blocking harmful influences from entering your mind. This filter is essentially a mindset or a thought process—a form of programming that allows certain influences in while rejecting others. In this way, most of your decisions are guided by positive stimuli, and the negative ones are filtered out.

By installing this filter, you can navigate through the web of life with greater clarity, making choices that align with your true self, rather than being unconsciously swayed by the environment around you. It’s a way to regain some control in a world that often feels like it’s controlling us.

In the end, whether we choose to break free from the web or install a filter within it, the journey is deeply personal. The illusion of free will may be comforting, but recognizing the forces that shape our lives can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The real challenge lies in taking conscious steps to either transcend these influences or refine them, shaping a life that reflects our truest values.

Now, it’s important to acknowledge that things might turn out very differently from what we’ve discussed. For instance, the baby Hitler exchanged for baby Gandhi might still grow up to become Hitler. I can’t assure or provide concrete evidence to guarantee otherwise, and if that happens, the whole argument about free will might become meaningless!

As you’ve read through to the end, I thank you for your patience and time. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this blog, so feel free to leave a comment or DM me.