Recently in one podcast I heard the phrase: “Your should is someone’s want.” Several days of reflection, and I decided to share my thoughts and invite you to dialogue. Your thoughts and hypotheses in the comments on this topic will be invaluable, because it is in the discussion that truth is born. Identity Our internal conflict between “should” and “want” is deeply rooted in our identity. Every action and decision we make reflects our beliefs and values. How do we know when our “should” is a reflection of our true self, and when it is just an attempt to please others? To what extent are our actions predetermined by external circumstances or internal psychological mechanisms? Thinking about whose “wants” we turn into our “shoulds” will help us better understand ourselves and our true desires. Free will When someone tries to impose their “wants” on us , this may seem like an attempt to limit our free will. After all, if free will is the ability to make choices without being subject to external coercion, then any external interference seems to be a violation of this principle. However, it is important to understand that interaction with other people and society as a whole inevitably entails a clash of different forms of “I want.” The question is How do we respond to these external influences and still maintain our capacity for independent choice? The psychology of self-deception The mechanisms by which people convince themselves that their “should” is their true “want” deserve special attention. Understanding the processes of self-deception and self-justification can help us better understand our perceptions of free will and autonomy. Hedonism vs. Cooperation The desire to do only what we want, to follow only our “wants,” may seem to be a manifestation of hedonism, a philosophy that places pleasure at the center of human life. And limitless pursuit of one’s own desires can lead to degradation and consumption. For the survival of humanity, it is necessary to enter into cooperation, doing what the other wants, in the expectation that in return he will do what we want. This form of interaction, although it may seem like a form manipulation is the basis of cooperative relationships that contribute to the survival of not only humans, but also many animal species. In game theory, co-op is indeed one of the most effective models of interaction. In conclusion, I would like to say that all these questions are not just thoughts. They affect each of us, influencing our choices, our behavior and our perception of the world. After all, free will is not only the ability to choose, but also responsibility for this choice.