My favorite explanation of free will in literature is done through the words of John Steinbeck's Chinese character of Lee in the great classic East of Eden. In this soliloquyby Lee he explains to Samuel and Adam that in the old testament there are phrases such as 'Thou shalt' and 'Do thou' but the greatest is 'Thou mayest rule over sin'
"Now, there are many millions in their sects and churches who feel the order, 'Do thou,' and throw their weight into obedience. And there are millions more who feel predestination in 'Thou shalt'. Nothing they may do can interfere with what will be. But 'Thou mayest'! Why that makes a man great, that gives him stature with the gods, for in his weakness and filth and his murder of his brother he has still the great choice."
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