I
believe that the matter of choice depends on one’s concept of freedom. I believe that the individual has the
inalienable right to freedom in that he or she ought to make choices in their self-interest. Yet, I say that understanding that one’s choices
have consequences that he or she is accountable. For instance, if I choose to break a religious
tenet (i.e. a commandment), social custom, or law, then I will face the consequence
of that choice. Thus, our choices may be limited so as not to harm another
person or people. I emphasize may because ultimately, one’s personal
choice will be based on what he or she wants to do, not what they ought to
do. Moreover, I believe that one
determines his or her destiny through their choices – our outcome is not pre-determined
by fate.
I believe that more options lead to
better choices. However, this is not to
say that as options increase, so then does the probability of success (i.e. a
better choice). Some options are significantly
better than others, while in other options the difference is trivial. The difference (or significance) in an option
can be quantifiable or it can be subjective to the individual. Yet regardless – to reiterate my previous
statement – one’s choice will be based on what he or she wants. This is considering that the person has the
freedom of choice. I have witnessed
cultures where individual choice is suppressed and observed that having less
(or no) options is a precept to fail. To
quote hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Yet, I do agree with Sheena Iyengar that when
one has too many choices, he or she may “become overwhelmed” and the choice “no
longer offers opportunities, but imposes constraints (Iyengar, 2010) .”
Therefore, there is the conundrum – would you rather be constrained by
choices or none at all?
Lastly, Sheena Iyengar claims there
in an assumption that one “must never say no to choice (Iyengar, 2010) .”
I disagree with this assumption and
believe that we can say no to a choice and we do so every day. A more fitting question within the context of
Iyengar’s speech is, “Would you rather relinquish your choice to another
person?” If you do, I believe the reason
is that you choose to place the weight
of responsibility on another’s shoulders.
Yet, the irony is that the consequence is a much your burden for not
choosing. Choosing to forego a choice is
not a bad thing. It depends on one’s strength
of character and what he or she is willing to accept.
In conclusion, our choices invariably
differ due to circumstance. My choices,
in opportunity and outcome, will be better or worse as compared to
another. Moreover, each choice will have
a diverse level of magnitude in regards to consequence. For instance, what I choose to wear for a
specific occasion is much less important than a choice to give or deny someone’s
life. Therefore, I believe one must make
their own reasoned choices (and
choosing not to choose is still a choice!) in their self-interest but
understanding the implications to his or herself and others.
References
Iyengar, S. (2010, July). Retrieved from www.ted.com:
http://www.ted.com/talks/sheena_iyengar_on_the_art_of_choosing/transcript?language=en#t-245180
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