Choices and Consequences

Several weeks ago Steeler’s Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was in a motorcycle accident…while not wearing a helmet. This incident got me to thinking about the choices we make and their inherent consequences.

Many of us understand the concept of “free will”. What many of us have a hard time embracing is the notion that this right also gives us the free will to make poor decisions and experience the consequences that go with those questionable decisions.

Experiencing consequences, both pleasant and unpleasant, are key to the learning experience that is our life.

As we all know by now: knowledge + experience = wisdom.

And: consequences = direct experience

In the case of Ben Roethlisberger, he had the free will to make a choice to both ride a motorcycle and to not wear a helmet. Although he saw what happened to the careers of other football players who had motorcycle accidents (i.e. Kellen Winslow, Jr.) and was counseled by his head coach on the dangers of riding a motorcycle and the potential harm to his career…as a young and successful quarterback, he felt invincible and chose to both ride his motorcycle and not wear a helmet. Many folks on ESPN Sports Talk radio felt this was a poor choice.

Nonetheless, now that Mr. Roethlisberger is experiencing the consequences of his choices, and has been released from the hospital…he is both wiser and perhaps a more humble man.

Many of us have found ourselves in situations, counseling a loved one, only to have the loved one, against our better judgment, make a poor choice…and later find ourselves helping to pick-up the pieces.

“If only” they listened to our wise words they wouldn’t have had to experience these unpleasant consequences.

Well, life doesn’t work that way.

People do not seem to really learn anything from experiences of others. People seem to need to have the direct experience of both pleasant and unpleasant consequences to actually make the connection in both their heads and hearts regarding their choices.

Maybe that is why we were given free will. To have the opportunity to make choices…including questionable choices…and learn from their consequences.