Quote by Orson Scott Card
God, our genes, our environment, or some stupid programmer keying in code at an ancient terminal - there's no way free will can ever exist if we as individuals are the result of some external cause.
Summary
This quote expresses the perspective that if our actions and decisions are determined by factors such as God, our genes, our environment, or even by some predetermined programmer, there can be no true free will. It argues that if we are merely the result of these external causes, then our choices are ultimately governed by forces beyond our control. The quote challenges the concept of personal autonomy and suggests that free will is an illusion if we are fully influenced by external factors.