What about the differences between somebody who is intrinsic or extrinsic? People who are intrinsic(e.g. 'shy'): are more capable of controlling their environment consciously, in regards to voluntary action. The extrinsic individual: has no sure self-control, and their subconscious actions are usually a gamble("innocent" or not).
I think you've got intrinsic and extrinsic mixed up here. People who have intrinsic wills towards things that aren't in harmony with the law or their own moral code, regardless if it's religious or not, do happen. That is what I agree with when TickleXXX mentioned man cannot will what he wills. This is there, however, the more those intrinsic wills are entertained in the mind, or pushed aside, i.e. consciously willing to not have that will, the resulting consequences follow.
There isn't such a thing as an 'extrinsic individual'. There's extrinsic stimuli whereever you go, in music, in literature, and with whomever you associate. Extrinsic stimuli IS controllable. You can choose what you're willing to surround yourself with. In some cases you may not be able to choose what you would like to surround and stimulate yourself with, but you can choose whether you entertain and indulge that will or choose other things. Wills can be changed.
Involuntary desires absolutely exist, but, as I said in my previous post, they're not as rampant as some might want to believe. And what IS true, is that man CAN and DOES choose his actions. Said actions
may be a result of a long time indulging in and rationalizing things that ARE immoral, but they were controllable and arguably still controllable at the time of action as in the case of abuse. The perp has rationalized it so much in his/her mind that they've numbed their consciences.
Of course their are exceptions like severe mental illness, and being under the influence of a mind-altering intoxicant -- but then the later was still a choice, even if the ramifications aren't. And in cases of mental illness that isn't always the excusing factor. There is still controllable will. Even in severe cases at times, albeit briefly.
Man cannot will what he wills SOMETIMES through INTRINSIC variables, but he CAN will what he
does.
Extrinsic stimuli of abuse when you're a child, for instance, I would argue can become an intrinsic issue in the future as your brain is still developing. It can be VERY hard to break out of, if not impossible. BUT actions can always be controlled, except, at times, in cases of mental illness.
One example to illustrate my point is someone who either intrinsically, and/or a combination of extrinsic factors, has a propensity towards narcissism can still choose their behavior! They may or may not CHOOSE to WILL that behavior to be more empathic and less self-centered, but the option is there for them.
Another example is someone who disregards other people's rights, values, and privacy for his own selfish reasons.. I guess that would be narcissism too? combined with other issues, and who knows if the same things were done to him, how he'd feel about it and how uncomfortable he'd be just relaxing in his own home. But who CHOOSES to continue to violate people anyway. He's rationalized his behavior over, and over and over and over through extrinsic friendships, through possible parental examples or examples produced through the media, and other things such as viewing pornography, which can and does alter a person's psychology in some substantial ways. But he cannot choose to be anything other than that while he's doing it. He may not like what he has chosen to be, but it isn't a put down to spell out and define exactly what goes on. So he may or may not have been able to will his will as far as wanting to violate a person or persons, but he DID will his will into action. And ultimately, no matter what desires cross your mind, no matter how they're either discarded or nurtured,
you are your actions.
What really gets to me are defeatists that have intrinsic or deeply rooted extrinsically-induced wills that are contrary to what they know they should be doing or that are contrary to the laws and all reason, have put some of them into action, and then say, "that's just who I am," completely giving up their own control of themselves. That is the weakest excuse I've ever heard. Change is always available to people. But these defeatist types DO NOT WANT TO HEAR THAT. They will go to GREAT lengths not to hear it. They aren't really defeatists as much as they are just lazy narcissists. It seems to be a combination of both with them, and it is the most repulsive attitude I can think of.
