Audio Quote by Christopher Hitchens
![“If we have free will, by definition we cannot be granted it. We can't be given it. My [-audio-recording-distorted-] paradox states that 'Of course we have free will, we have no choice.' To say that it's a gift is to negate the whole concept of free will on its face. So, if that isn't self-evident…” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/38d/christopher-hitchens-117_audio_if-we-have-free-will-by-definition-we-ca_2644187.jpg)
“If we have free will, by definition we cannot be granted it. We can't be given it. My [-audio-recording-distorted-] paradox states that 'Of course we have free will, we have no choice.' To say that it's a gift is to negate the whole concept of free will on its face. So, if that isn't self-evident, I can't think of anything that would meet the definition of being self-evident.”
About This Quote
The paradox presented argues that true free will cannot be granted or given, as it would contradict its own definition, challenging common notions of freedom.
In simple terms: Free will cannot be granted; it’s self‑contradictory.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about freedom.
Themes
philosophy
free will
paradox
logic
existentialism
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- debates
- ethical discussions
- personal decision making
- education
Key Concepts
metaphysics
determinism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is free will an illusion?
- How do we act responsibly without it?
A Different Perspective
May overlook compatibilist views.
![“It's [Los Angeles] mostly full of nonsense and delusion and egomania. They think they'll be young and beautiful forever, even though most of them aren't even young and beautiful now.” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a86/christopher-hitchens-117_beautiful_it-s-los-angeles-mostly-full-of-nonsense_10462.jpg)
![“[Religion] attacks us in our deepest integrity - the core of our self-respect. Religion says that we would not know right from wrong, we would not know an evil, wicked act from a decent human act without divine permission, without divine authority or without, even worse, either the fear of a…” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab6/christopher-hitchens-117_action_religion-attacks-us-in-our-deepest-integ_23299.jpg)
