"انسان می‌تواند آنچه را که می‌خواهد انجام دهد، اما نمی‌تواند آنچه را که می‌خواهد بخواهد."

This quote dives into the concept of free will. It suggests that while we have the power to act according to our desires, we don't actually have control over what those desires are. In simpler terms, you can decide to act on your wishes, but you don’t get to choose what you wish for in the first place.

Let's break it down a bit. Imagine you want to pick up a hobby like painting. You can go ahead, buy some paints and canvases, and start creating art. That part is within your control. But why did you pick painting? Maybe you’ve always felt drawn to it or you saw an inspiring piece of artwork. Those deeper motivations—the reasons behind your choice—aren't something you consciously decided. They’re shaped by your experiences, personality, and perhaps even things like your upbringing or biology.

Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, who’s often associated with this idea, lived during the 19th century. He thought deeply about human motivation and desire. He believed that while we can do what we set our minds to, the actual origin of our desires is beyond our conscious control. This idea has intrigued thinkers for ages, and it still sparks debates about free will and determinism.

Think about Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. He had a knack for innovation and design. Sure, he chose to work tirelessly, revolutionizing the tech industry. But why was he so passionate about technology and design in the first place? Those fundamental interests and drives were just a part of who he was—a mix of his innate talents and early life experiences.

So, what’s the practical takeaway here? Understanding that you can't fully control your desires can be liberating. It means you can cut yourself some slack for the things you’re passionate about—or not passionate about. You might find that you have a burning desire to write a novel, but no drive whatsoever to learn a new language. That’s okay. Focus on what moves you and take action there, rather than fighting against the currents of your own nature.

Here’s a little story to bring this home. Picture Sarah, an accountant who’s really good at her job but feels unfulfilled. Every evening, she finds herself doodling fashion designs. It’s something she’s always done, ever since she was a kid. One day, she decides to chase that passion. She enrolls in a fashion design course and eventually starts her own line. Now, she didn’t choose to love fashion; that desire was just there. But she did choose to follow it. By doing so, she found joy and fulfillment she never had in her accounting career.

To apply this wisdom, start by paying attention to your natural inclinations and interests. What are the things that consistently catch your attention or make you lose track of time? Once you identify those, take steps to incorporate them into your life. You’ll likely find that you’re happier and more engaged with what you’re doing.

In the end, remember: you can steer the ship, but you don’t control the tides. Embrace your genuine interests and let them guide your actions. It's a dance between your will and deeper, inherent desires—one that, when acknowledged, can lead to a more authentic and satisfying life.