In 'The Night of the Iguana', Tennessee Williams writes, "Nothing human disgusts me...unless it's unkind or violent."

I read this as a tacit acknowledgement that any among us could suffer the consequences of, or enjoy the fruits of, our circumstances. We like to think that we enjoy unfettered free will as individuals... I'm perfectly happy to take the credit for my choices when the outcome is desirable, and I'm equally ashamed when my choices have poor results. Just how much credit do I actually deserve though?

Every element that composes your person, and that of every animal, plant or mineral was forged in the exact same place... the stars. From this iconic beginning these newly formed particles are put on a path which will encompass many different forms and will span eons. A highly complex and seemingly random set of interactions in these elements has resulted in the universe we see today.

If we accept two basic assumptions:

  1. Chaotic circumstances produce unpredictable results.
  2. Small variations can greatly affect outcome.

Then we have wiped away much of what we mean when we refer to "free will". Indeed the very concept of Agency is based on this concept. Without free will there can be no agency. I am responsible for the outcome of my actions/inactions, but only my intentions make something truly my "fault".

But if our Agency is the only true measure of responsibility, what about the experiences we had which informed this agency? Was I the author of the circumstances which afford me my agency? After all, I could have been born to a poor mother in Sierra Leone, and watched my father hacked to death with a machete, and that would be the vehicle which forged my agency... instead I was born in the USA, and so I'm me. How far of a stretch is it really then to wonder how I might see the world from a different perspective?

A few random changes in starting conditions and I could easily have grown up as a hypergamous princess... or a serial killer. Apparently it is true... If you leave hydrogen sitting around long enough you end up with both.

So where does that leave us?

As Uncle Ben told Peter, "With great power, comes great responsibility."

Swallowing TRP is a double-edged sword fellows. Your new perspective provide