When the term “I think” is used, who is “I” ?
What is a “person” ?
The “me” I got used to in fact is the result of millions of years of Natural Evolution (which produced the brain base structure Homo sapiens has in common with other mammals/ reptiles/ etc) and Social Evolution (which gave us a brain structure variant which is slightly different from other Homo of the past, like Neandertal, Denisova,etc). Different structure >> different connections >> different base abilities & automatisms >> different thoughts & inclinations.
Also, the way “I think” is influenced by the beliefs invented by ancient human hunter-gatherer societies, as well as the new agricultural societies (from 12000 years ago). To be stable, an agricultural society had to invent new Values and new Rules, consistent the Beliefs & Traditions which makes the whole to stick together (which increases chances of survival for this society). The concept of Property & Hierarchy have been added to Solidarity, Respect & Sharing which have been there long before agriculture.
The Cultural Beliefs/ Values/ Rules/ Traditions of the society (ies) my family (ies) lived in -over recent centuries- have put their stamps. There is also my personnal history & experiences I went through with my individuel specificities.
And, at a point in time, “I” cannot be different from what “I” am, and “I” cannot think differently from what “I” think.
Which does not mean that one will never change his mind on several key subjects. I know that I did change my mind on key subjects.
Knowing that we have no Free Will does not mean that I have a miserable life. Like everyone else, I know the Rules and the Values and the Traditions. I am part of the community, and follow the Rules, Rites & Traditions. I am a normal ordinary guy among others. With a smile on my face.
