Free Will

Do not say "Accept my view," for it is their choice, not yours.
-Pirkei Avot 4:10

Commentary: One of my favorite Biblical passages is Deuteronomy 30:19.

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse; therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live."

In this passage we learn that while life presents us with both good and bad paths to possibly follow, G-d nevertheless allows us choose. G-d may make a recommendation, but the final choice is still ours. This should tell us something about the importance of free will and the seriousness of trying to force our views upon someone else. Free will must be respected. The only exception to this rule is when another person's exercise of freedom can lead to disastrous consequences in our own lives. There is a story about some rabbis who were traveling on a ship, and a man who was locked in his cabin drilling a hole in the floor. The rabbis told him to stop, and the man told them they should not interfere with his business. To this the rabbis replied, "Yes, but what you are doing will affect us all!" Similarly, while free will must be respected, there is a point at which an individual's actions can affect the community as a whole. Once again, the balance must be found.