"human beings in their thinking, feeling and acting are not free but are as casually bound as the stars in thier motions." -Albert Einstein

ok i was wondering what this means...maybe that humans follow a certain path of the people before them? idk please help
thanks

First, the word is "causally," not "casually."

The meaning of this quote has been widely debated. It seems that Einstein believed that we are predetermined to act and think in certain ways -- whether by God, innate human nature, or others, isn't clear. Check these sites for other opinions.

http://aloneonalimb.blogspot.com/2007/04/how-did-einstein-become-einstein.html

http://latviansonline.com/index.php/forum/viewthread/32693/

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1607298-3,00.html

thanks

but i was trying to apply it to the war on terrorism and the different ways people think about it.... So maybe i can say that some people beleive that God knew this would happen and he has already put out a plan to end/not end the war??
idk im soo tongue tied

I don't think Einstein would go that far -- especially about God having a plan to end or not end the war.

However, you might argue that terrorists don't act from free will but they commit their terrorist acts because they are bound by their religion, upbringing, and personalities to try to defeat their enemies.

o ok i see

going for the other sides point of view
hmmm....
i like it thanks
love this program!!

Albert Einstein's statement suggests that human beings, in their thoughts, emotions, and actions, are not free to make choices but are influenced and determined by external factors in a similar way to how stars are governed by the laws of physics that dictate their motions.

To interpret this quote, it is essential to understand the concept of determinism. Determinism is the philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by prior causes. In the context of Einstein's statement, it implies that human behavior is not driven by free will but by external factors, such as genetics, environment, upbringing, education, societal norms, and individual experiences.

One interpretation of Einstein's statement is that our actions are not entirely our own and that we are heavily influenced by the circumstances and conditions surrounding us. Our thoughts, choices, and behaviors are believed to be predetermined, in a sense, by the causal chain of events leading up to them. Thus, we may not have true freedom or agency in our decision-making.

Another possible interpretation is that Einstein was drawing a parallel between the deterministic nature of the physical world, represented by star motions, and the deterministic nature of human behavior, suggesting that humans are subject to the same laws and patterns governing the universe.

It's important to note that while Einstein's statement may lean towards a deterministic perspective, it is not a definitive conclusion about the nature of human freedom or determinism. This topic is widely debated in philosophy, psychology, and other fields, with various viewpoints and counterarguments. Different philosophers and scholars hold diverse positions on the extent of human freedom and the influence of determinism.

To fully grasp the meaning of Einstein's quote, it is beneficial to explore multiple perspectives on determinism, free will, and the nature of human behavior. This will involve delving into philosophical theories, scientific research, and engaging in critical thinking and reflection.