Q:
From where is it demonstrated that the function of free will is limited to the realm of the mind?
A:
That’s a principle that’s always said here. How do we know that free will is only in the mind, not in your actions?
And it’s explained because – many times it was explained already here – because how can you throw a stone and hit somebody? If it was not decreed on Rosh Hashana that he should get hit by a stone how can you hit him by a stone? On Rosh Hashana it’s nigzar, it’s decreed.
How can anybody kill anybody else if it’s decreed that he should live this year?
And the answer is, he can’t. If somebody gets killed chalilah, it’s because he was decreed last year already.
So then the question is: So why is the killer punishable if it was decreed? The answer is he’s not punished for his act. He’s punished for his choice, for his free will decision to do the act. That’s what he’s punished for.
And therefore we learn that the free will is limited to the mind.
TAPE # 256 (February 1979)
