Believing one can control others or the environment is an illusion. Reality is an ongoing Now; the convergence of an uncountable number of effects with an even greater number of causes extending to the beginning of time that will diverge into causes of future effects that become causes of future effects extending to the end of time, if there is an end of time. Now seems to be determined, but this too is an illusion. Singular effects result from multiple causes and can generate multiple causes as effects and causes interact. The effects of past and future causes are probabilistic, possibilities, not actualities except at the instant of Now when probability equals one. If reality is not predetermined yet one does not have control over it, how can one be free to assert a will? Are we not like steel spheres in some kind of universal pinball game, launched into existence by an invisible force applied by the actions of an unknowable being to be buffeted about in a life filled with unpredictable bumpers, kickers and other mechanisms propelling our journey, careening up and down, left and right, until eventually we lose life’s momentum and disappear in a hole at the end of the game; maybe to be reinstated in front of the plunger that gives life again. Scientific evidence leads to the conclusion that all behavior is the product of non-conscious physiological functions, instinctive predilections modified by experience. Survival requires one’s needs be met. We are born as self-serving animals. When needs are unsatisfied, the emotion of angst is generated innervating conscious mental functions that seek means of gratification producing the emotion of pleasure when found. However, conscious mental functions also enable consideration of prior acts and envisioning actions with the potential for preferred outcomes that become virtual experiences with the same ability as actual experiences to modify impulsive responses to similar circumstances. In addition, the perspective one’s conscious sense of self provides can be extended to include the perspectives of others and their needs alter our desires if among our desires is the will to be this kind of creature. P.S. You are pardoned, Jacob69, if you pardon this old hippie’s ramblings.