Exploring Autonomy: Can We Truly Make Our Own Choices?
Written on
Chapter 1: Understanding Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the capacity to make decisions independently rather than having them dictated by others. The journey of individuation, which is the process of becoming a distinct individual both psychologically and cognitively, initiates during infancy and continues into adulthood. For a child to develop this sense of self, it is crucial that they feel secure with their caregivers.
According to psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, the foundational trust or mistrust formed in the first 18 months of life hinges on the consistent comfort and fulfillment of an infant's basic needs. When caregivers are emotionally distant, rejecting, or erratic, the child may struggle to feel safe in their environment. As Erikson eloquently stated, "Doubt is the brother of shame."
The term "autonomy" has its roots in Latin, combining words that mean self and law, suggesting that it involves governing one’s own life and endorsing one’s actions. While external influences may still play a role, true autonomy means that your behavior ultimately reflects your own choices.
When you recognize your self-worth, you are better positioned to claim your autonomy. This sense of independence allows you to feel both distinct in relationships and whole when alone. You can assert yourself and resist external pressures, with your actions being guided by your beliefs, needs, and values. This is in stark contrast to the mindset of a rebel or a people-pleaser, where actions are reactive rather than autonomous.
Section 1.1: The Impact of Autonomy on Relationships
Autonomy empowers individuals to engage in conversations without defensiveness and to adjust their beliefs in light of new information. Conversely, when autonomy is lacking, one may become overly influenced by the thoughts and feelings of others, often deferring to their opinions. This can lead to difficulty in making independent decisions and taking action.
You need Self-Efficacy to be Autonomous:
Self-efficacy is the belief in your own abilities, which is vital for motivation. This self-awareness, recognizing that your efforts can yield results, is cultivated through taking risks and learning from experiences. As you conquer new challenges and navigate unfamiliar situations, you build confidence, self-efficacy, and the motivation to enact change. Those who harbor doubts about their capabilities often hesitate to even attempt tasks.
Chapter 2: The Quest for True Autonomy
So where does this leave humanity? Can we ever be entirely autonomous and free to make our own choices? In my view, autonomy exists on a spectrum, with some individuals achieving a greater degree than others. Even the most autonomous people among us exercise limited freedom in their decision-making.
Humans are inherently social beings, relying on collaborative relationships for survival. The intricate dynamics within societies necessitate that we find common ground with others, including those who may be quite different from us. This calls for empathy—the ability to understand another's perspective.
Experiences of acceptance or rejection from peers and authority figures can significantly shape our sense of connection to others. Our innate need for acceptance drives us to seek out those who share similar beliefs, which can profoundly influence our adult personalities. Regardless of whether our childhood interactions were positive or negative, they leave a lasting imprint.
Often, we remain unaware of how these early experiences affect our current choices, which constrains our autonomy. If remnants of past experiences linger outside of our awareness, they can influence our present actions, indicating that we are not entirely free or autonomous. Instead, we may be following an unconscious script from our formative years.
As neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga explains, "There are different mental modules operating outside of awareness that compete for expression until decisions are made." When we are oblivious to these processes, we may fabricate rationalizations for our choices, unaware that we could be deceiving ourselves.
It can be challenging to discern how much of our behavior is driven by blind conformity to societal or familial expectations. True autonomy, grounded in a conscious understanding of morality, reflects self-discipline and a commitment to others, guiding us to make choices that enhance the human experience.
Autonomy does not imply a rejection of the traditional values instilled by parents or society, nor does it dismiss the expectations of peers. We often willingly relinquish some autonomy to pursue our desires. However, we always possess the power to say "no," with the understanding that we must accept the consequences of our choices.
By My
Deep Dive recommendation:
Split-brain research by Michael Gazzaniga
