How to reconcile the idea of free will, lack thereof, and responsibility for one’s reaction to stimuli?

We do things? Why? Why do we want to do things?

If someone acts on us, we have a choice on how to respond. If they’re trying to agitate us, we can choose not to engage, to get upset, etc.

Then we have the nature vs nurture argument.

Also, the altered state of consciousness one deals with when under the influence of mind altering substances, or dissociative influences of traumatic brain experiences.

Where does free will start and stop?

The more realistic scenario.

“HOLD THE DOOR! HOLD THE DOOR!!!” I shouted as I sprinted to the closing doors.

The elevator was nearly full but I didn’t care. Oh god, I was so screwed. That meeting was at 5 and it’s already 5 passed.

“Accounting,” I pant as I just make it in. Somehow, I avoided colliding with anyone and did my best to straighten up next to a person dressed in a very conspicuous outfit.

After a beat, I turn toward the patriotic figure and say, “Holy crap, you’re Captain America.”

Captain America turns to me and grimaces and I check myself. He must be terribly busy and upset with Director Fury gone and being a war hero and everything.

I think of what to say and am saved when the person in front of me, turns to Cap and says “sorry about what happened with Fury, if you need someone to talk to.”

Cap simply replies, “Thank you.”

How dignified.

After a somewhat awkward silence and few more floors and some more people, Cap says, “Does anyone want to get out?”

I see it’s my floor and say ”yeah, it’s my floor.”

I move to go and then turn around and say, “Sorry about Director Fury. I hope things turn out okay.”

Cap looks at me with slight surprise and then smiles and says , “Thank you.”

I smile back and rush to my meeting. Maybe this day wasn’t a total bust.

It is chronological and situational.

Dread felt at the news of something.

Calm felt when facing it.

I heard Gingko smells like ass.