Explaining "A man can do what he wills but he cannot will what he wills"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 08/10/2024, 21:21

English.me team member

What does it mean?

A man can do what he wills but he cannot will what he wills

The phrase means that while a person can perform actions according to their desires (do what he wills), they do not have control over what those desires are. It suggests the limitation of human freedom, implying that even though individuals can act on their will, they cannot willfully choose their desires themselves.

Tone

Philosophical

Origin

The phrase is based on the writings of Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher known for his work on the philosophy of will. It highlights the deterministic nature of human desires.

Examples of usage

Even though she decided to pursue art, her inclination towards creativity was something she never chose; it was innate, illustrating that a person cannot will what they will.
He realized that while he could act upon his desire for success, the origin of that desire was influenced by his upbringing and experiences, which he hadn't chosen.