Chapter 10 Summary and Analysis

In this chapter, Patterson examines the view of inner freedom. This is brought about by Greek religion. The gods are the only ones who are truly free. Mortal life is dictated by predetermination, or fate. Mortals have no free choice. Everything in their life is predetermined. This view is beginning to be questioned by the middle of the fifth century B.C., which is seen in Greek drama, where characters are punished for defying the gods. Inner freedom becomes defined as thinking for one's self or the ability to control one's own mind and think freely. It is the ability to be an independent thinker without having one's mind dominated. When an individual can do this, he has achieved inner freedom.

According to Plato, the soul is like a mini-state in that it contains three parts. Reason's function is to rule...