Arthur Schopenhauer - A man can do what he wants, but not...

A man should act in accordance with his own character, as soon as he has carefully deliberated on what he is about to do. The outcome of this is that originality cannot be dispensed with in practical matters: otherwise, what a man does will not accord with what he is.

The only freedom that exists is of a metaphysical character. In the physical world freedom is an impossibility. Accordingly, while our several actions are in no wise free, every man's individual character is to be regarded as a free act. He is such and such a man, because once for all it is his will to be that man. For the will itself, and in itsel

Xenophon's remark: he must be a wise man who knows what is wise.

it is quite certain that what a man is contributes much more to his happiness than what he has.

every man is pent up within the limits of his own consciousness,

Yes, you can do what you want—but you cannot account for the fact that your wants are effective in one case and not in another (and you certainly can’t choose your wants in advance).