Abstract When we are in a certain frame of mind, one which is not at all obviously muddled or confused, it is easy to think of everything that happens as caused by some earlier happening or happenings. Furthermore, we may then well think, events occurring at earlier times, by causing them, determine those at later times; by causing, the earlier leave no alternative but for the later to occur. There are some other further suppositions, somewhat more radical, which are also quite natural, even if they do not occur quite so easily or frequently as those just previously expressed: As things are determined so that prior events are causing everything which happens, there is no chance for any person himself to cause anything. There is, then, no possibility for you yourself to make anything happen, prior events always and inevitably taking care of things completely. Accordingly, it is not within your power to act, or to do anything at all. You are totally, completely impotent.