Account Quote by Martin Seligman
“I'm all for past influences; the question is whether they are deterministic. Freud and the behaviorists argue that what we are at any given moment is billiard balls whose past determines our future course. That doesn't take into account that we are forever generating internal representations of positive futures and choosing among them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Authentic Happiness, Martin Seligman, 2002
Determinism vs. agency: past influences shape us but we also create mental futures and choose paths.
In simple terms: Past shapes us but we can choose future visions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize agency amid past influences.
Themes
psychology
free will
determinism
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- therapy
- goal setting
- career planning
Key Concepts
cognitive representation
choice
future orientation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance past influence with future choices?
- Can you identify moments you actively chose a different path?
A Different Perspective
Deterministic view may overlook unconscious biases.
