Part 9/12:
Throughout history, humans have developed strategies to exert control over subconscious impulses. A notable example is the Greek hero Ulysses, who knew about the dangerous sirens—the mythical monsters whose enchanting songs lured sailors to their doom. Foreseeing his inability to resist the sirens' call due to subconscious attraction, Ulysses took proactive measures: he instructed his crew to plug their ears with beeswax and tied himself to the mast so he could safely pass by.
This myth illustrates a conscious effort to prepare for situations where subconscious impulses threaten to override rational control. It highlights an essential principle: we can sometimes strengthen our free will by pre-committing to decisions and designing safeguards against unconscious temptations.