It's about the power of choice, as one of our essential characteristics as human beings. This ability is by far the most important one that we have. Without it, we'd simply be at the whim of circumstance and instinct. With it, we are the master of our lives. Samuel Johnson said:
The fountain of knowledge must spring up in the mind, and he who hath so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition, will waste his life in fruitless efforts and multiply the grief he proposes to remove.
I acknowledge that much of my present material and social stability is due to the 'luck of the draw'; that is, I was born into a middle class family in the US. As a person belonging to a minority within the context of the human race, I always feel a bit of hesitation to spout off about how each individual is ultimately responsible for their situation. But it is still true. The power of choice can never be taken away from anyone, regardless of the situation they may find themselves in.
This concept is also discussed in a scripture:
Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
This topic has been on my mind a good deal, in the context of my present efforts to reform my eating habits. One day at a time...
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