an essay i wrote for philosophy class, edited and added on for this blog
Outside the Dollhouse
We are not slaves or robots; everything that we do is based on choices. There may be instances in our lives in which the situation forces us to lean towards one choice, but in the end, we have the final say or the final move. This is not a chess game wherein we die or kill because someone is using us as pawns. We especially know this because we live in a democracy. Someone living in a world not as free may have a different view, and yet they still have this nagging feeling that something is very wrong. History is witness to countless revolutions caused by this “feeling” that has become conviction.
Trees grow to be healthy or otherwise, because of the factors that affect them. They depend on the season, place and care given to them. There is never a question of choice. The tree that is cared for grows healthy unless a storm comes and wrecks it. If a person grows up in an abusive environment, there is a tendency for him to be depressed or violent but he still has the choice whether to succumb to the pressures surrounding him or to overcome these obstacles, unless insanity takes over. Insanity is a whole different story. My fear of becoming insane is far greater than my fear of death. The loss of control may lead us to hurt ourselves or worse, hurt the ones we love.
We have freedom, but along with it, responsibility. We are the authors of our life story. In my life, there have been so many unexpected twists and turns. I have had a different life envisioned when I was a child. The girl who wanted to be a journalist is now aiming to become an animator and maybe a writer on the side. The loner is now experienced in student and community service. If I have let my personality be the decision-maker, I would be in a completely different state right now. It is scary though. The person I am now is based on my choices. What if I make a really big mistake? What will I be tomorrow?
I remember a book entitled “The Giver”. The premise of this story is a futuristic world wherein people do not decide, but the system does for them. There are no emotions, but everything is so perfect and peaceful. It seems that even people are under the laws of nature and not Natural Law. They can’t help but follow. There is no choice. It is worse than communism, because in communism at least people feel indignant about being told what to do. Here, people follow because that is what’s normal. There are women chosen to give birth, and couples whose marriages have been arranged, go to the birthing place to choose their ideal child. When a person reaches a certain age, he is killed to preserve the “balance”. I would not want to be in this situation.
For some, the Natural Law is so constricting because it can bring about guilt. Falling because of gravity does not bring us guilt. However, it also does not give us a choice. So I choose living as a free human being, contained in a world with a Natural Law where I ought to do what is right and the rest ought to do what is right, as well. If we ignore the urge to do what we ought, then we should still feel responsible. I am not ready for a world without rules, nor am I ready for a world with imposed rules; with no left and right, just forward. I would not want to be Barbie in her dollhouse played by some little girl or by some doll collector.
Now, let us stop for a moment to ponder. What if Barbie has no restrictions? Would she still be the good-natured doll for children to play with? Indeed, being let out of the dollhouse may not be perfect after all. In fact, it is chaotic! If Natural Law exists, at least there is a semblance of order and a guideline for any community. Barbie is not controlled by any puppeteer but is still expected to behave in a particular way.
Here in the Philippines, complications always arise after the national elections. The common citizen has to hear the two opposing parties debate on certain topics. This is where the voter has to be extra careful because there are no deep black and pearly white sides; there are our gray areas. The opponents may be going against each other, but there are arguments are trying to insist the idea that they are the good guys. In order for one to be labeled as “good”, there must be a set of rules to look at. Call it the Ten Commandments for us Christians but even non-Christians and atheists who claim they have no god have the inclination to one side. Without the Natural Law, rapists and philanthropists are alike. Without the Natural Law, there is no sense arguing. There is no wrong or right.
Outside the dollhouse, there is still a Natural Law. Outside the dollhouse, there is more responsibility. Isn’t it refreshing to know that we can go out to have a breath of fresh air? But isn’t it also refreshing to know that we can go back inside our houses and lock ourselves in…
