[coastflow]

The definition of freethinking that was used leans more towards “the ability to resist social pressures” than a consideration of the philosophical debate on free will, even if it is plausible that life is deterministic from a philosophical perspective [0].

For practical purposes, it’s best not to worry about determinism so much, and adopt the belief of compatibilism [1], which many institutions in society—such as the courts and legislature in Western countries—effective assume (if not free will).

The existence of original thought also matters less than the ability to effectively execute a plan to create a useful good or service, for the purpose of career development.

[0] Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/determinism-causal/

[1] https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/compatibilism/