“Compulsion is external; the agent contributes nothing to the act.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Chapter 1
(Translated by W.D. Ross)
The Big Idea
True responsibility only applies to choices you control. Imagine:
- Being a video game character forced off a cliff by another player → Not your fault! 🎮
- Choosing to jump yourself → That’s on YOU. 💥
Real-Life Scenarios
🔥 Test Pressure
External = A friend threatens you to share answers → You’re a victim, not a cheater.
Voluntary = You choose to peek at notes → Own the consequence.
🤝 Lunchroom Shove
External = Someone pushes you into spilling a tray → “Not cool, but not my choice!”
Voluntary = You toss fries as a “prank” → Detention deserved.
📱 Social Media Coercion
External = Friends dare you to post a mean meme → Screenshot and report the pressure.
Voluntary = You troll someone for laughs → Account ban = fair result.
Try This Week
- The “Who’s Driving?” Test
Ask: “Am I being controlled like a robot 🤖 or making my own moves 🕹️?” - Pressure Journal
Track 3 times you felt forced vs. chose freely:- Example: “Peer dared me to skip class → Felt robotic 🤖”
- Role-Play Fixes
Practice saying: “Nah, I’m not your puppet” next time someone tries to force you.