Freedom of Choice

"Individuals seldom realize to what extent their behaviors are determined by conformity-producing agencies. Many of these agencies are institutional, controlled by leaders of such institutions as the state, church or business organization. Others, although not under the direct control of institutional leaders, become effective through suggestion by prestige, the impression of universality or the desire of ego-enhancement, as in the growth of fads and fashions. An individual has surprisingly little opportunity in a modern culture to experience freedom of choice in the manner of expression of his personality." (p.41)

Boring, Edwin Garrigues. Introduction to Psychology. New York: J. Wiley, 1944.