Quotation:

“Man becomes really human only at the time of decision, when he exercises free will”.

Comment:

Wilkinson discusses the concept of evolution, free will, and innate human traits. He entertains a very interesting idea that humans are unique due to their ability to choose and make decisions. Many people still have doubts around Darwin’s evolutionary theory, and some even take it too far thinking that ALL traits/what happens in our lives is innate, but this simply isn’t true. We as humans have the ability to make decisions on our own, not from our biology controlling our actions, and this is extremely important to our existence. For we have adapted/survived over time, not because our bodies are built to endure any environment or obstacle, but because we as humans make choices that allow us to continue to live. Not only did we adapt to elements and create civilizations all over the world, we have continued to further the advancements of our society, by choice, not because we were forced to. For example, in early civilization it was necessary to build shelter to be protected from the elements (this was necessary for survival- not really a choice unless you want to die), and nowadays we have come so far and have advanced beyond survival, we CHOOSE to live.

Question:

At what point are advancements to our society unnecessary? Although all throughout time we have thought we are the most advanced we will get, we continue to break that record over and over, so how far is too far and what are some signs of over-advancement in our society today?