Chapter 1: The Nature of Free Will

In a thought-provoking discussion on her podcast, comedian Sarah Silverman addressed a listener's yearning for a romantic relationship. She emphasized the importance of evolving into the person we aspire to be, rather than merely pretending to fit a mold. This raises a significant question: How attainable is this transformation?

Are we genuinely free to shape our identities, or are our choices merely a reflection of predetermined paths? It’s akin to changing schools and adopting a new persona, like becoming “Sting” and embracing a new style.

On the surface, it might seem we have the freedom to choose our destinies, but the reality suggests otherwise. The notion of free will appears to be more complex and elusive than we often acknowledge. Much like the themes explored in The Matrix, we may not be trapped in a digital realm, yet how many of our daily decisions truly offer us genuine freedom?

If we liken ourselves to rats navigating a maze, our choices—turning left or right—are limited to what is set before us. This is not true free will; rather, it is a controlled experiment.

I believe our ability to exercise free will is constrained, not by external forces such as government or religion, but by our own fears. We often shy away from taking substantial risks, rarely venturing into the unknown.

A concept known as the "adjacent possible" in behavioral evolution suggests we tend to transition between closely related ideas or experiences, rarely jumping to something entirely different. Like rock climbers, we can only reach for holds that are within our grasp. The truly daring among us might momentarily abandon a secure grip to reach for a more challenging hold, which can be both thrilling and perilous. Once one individual achieves this leap, it paves the way for others to follow.

Many societal shifts occur when the landscape changes, allowing those once considered outliers to find themselves at the forefront. They might have been disregarded but suddenly become central figures.

Spencer Holst narrates a captivating tale about a Siamese cat that masquerades as a lion and speaks in an unusual Zebraic tongue, which is the language of zebras in Africa.

Here’s a glimpse of that story:

A zebra strolls through the jungle when it encounters the Siamese cat. The cat greets the zebra in fluent Zebraic, sparking shock and confusion. The cat, taking advantage of this astonishment, captures and devours the zebra, indulging in zebra delicacies for months while parading as a lion among its friends.

However, the zebras become suspicious and fear that a lion haunts their territory, despite knowing the truth through their keen senses.

One day, a zebra storyteller, deep in thought about crafting amusing tales, is inspired to tell a story about a cat that learns to speak zebra. Ironically, the cat appears before him, greeting him in the same language. The storyteller, feeling uneasy, swiftly eliminates the cat. This narrative illustrates the pivotal role of the storyteller in a community.

(Holst, Spencer. The Zebra Storyteller. 1993)

In New Jersey, we recently held our primary election, which unfolded predictably with expected winners. The state is notorious for its corrupt ballot system, allowing party leaders to dictate which candidates appear on the ballot, sidelining others who lack their endorsement. Consequently, voters often find themselves with a single, predetermined option.

This scenario raises the question: Where is the choice? When parties control candidate eligibility, the playing field is inherently uneven.

While the concept of free will is appealing, the reality is that most individuals would struggle to navigate a world where every decision is theirs to make. Our minds might become overwhelmed, stalling even the simplest choices.

To genuinely alter our circumstances, we must first envision what that new reality could look like. This preparedness is essential to recognize and embrace unexpected changes, much like the lesson imparted by Holst's tale, where understanding and acceptance are key.

This encapsulates the vital role of storytelling in shaping our perceptions and realities.

Chapter 2: The Storytelling Tradition

In "The Zebra Storyteller," Spencer Holst crafts a narrative that explores themes of identity and perception through the lens of a whimsical tale.

The storytelling tradition serves not only to entertain but also to provoke thought about the nature of reality and the choices we make.