Are we hostages of a blind and inexorable destiny, or do we have the real power to build our own future? In examining the Law of Freedom in the third part of O Livro dos Espíritos, Allan Kardec addresses one of the most thought-provoking questions in the history of philosophy: the nature of human free will and its relationship with sovereign justice.

Spiritism rejects pessimistic determinism and states categorically that human beings are the conscious authors of their spiritual path, endowed with the noble faculty of deciding, learning from mistakes and renewing their journey towards happiness.

Freedom of thought and belief

Kardec begins by establishing that, while physical freedom may suffer external constraints, thought is fully sovereign. In its inner life, the human soul is absolutely free to seek the truth, to reflect and to pray.

In the same way, freedom of conscience is regarded as an inalienable right of every person. Spiritism teaches that no authority has the right to violate the beliefs of others or to impose convictions by force, condemning every form of fanaticism and religious persecution.

Free will and responsibility

Free will is the freedom human beings have to choose their own actions. Without this freedom, a person would be a machine, with no merit for their virtues and no responsibility for their failings.

As the spirit evolves intellectually and morally, its discernment widens and its free will matures. Every decision brings natural consequences: free sowing, but compulsory reaping, governed by the law of cause and effect, which is always educational and never vengeful.

The illusion of fatalism

Is there fatality in human life? The spirits explain to Kardec that the only truly inevitable event for the physical body is the moment of birth and of disincarnation. In all the rest of everyday experience, human beings keep the freedom to act, to react and to turn obstacles into levers for learning.

Difficulties are not arbitrarily imposed punishments, but opportunities chosen by the soul itself before reincarnating, in order to overcome old weaknesses and exercise courage.

The freedom to choose new paths

Knowing that we are free invites us to celebrate each day with enthusiasm and confidence. Choosing to travel, to discover new horizons and to make friends is an act of love for life itself. At Mundo a Passeio, we are ready to welcome your choices with itineraries designed for your joy and safety.

Discover new travel possibilities on our expeditions page or ask your questions on WhatsApp.

Sources and references