# Our Will is in The Neurons

Each neuron has a voltage, which can change when ions flow in or out of the 
cell. Once a neuron's voltage has reached a certain level, it will fire an 
electrical signal to other cells, repeating the process. When many neurons 
fire at the same time, we measure these changes in the form of a wave.

Brainwaves underpin almost everything going on in our minds, including 
memory, attention and even intelligence. As they oscillate at different 
frequencies, they get classified in bands called alpha, theta, beta and 
gamma, each associated with a different task. Brainwaves allow brain cells 
to tune in to the frequency corresponding to their particular task while 
ignoring irrelevant signals in a similar way as a radio homes in on 
different waves to pick up radio stations, since the transfer of 
information between neurons is enhanced when their activity is 
synchronized. These mechanisms also give rise to cognitive dissonance, the 
frustration caused by simultaneously holding two contradictory ideas. Our 
will is merely the drive to reduce dissonance between each of our active 
neural circuits.

Evolution can be seen as the same process, where nature tries to adapt or 
resonate with reality. By doing so, it evolved to a point where it became 
self-aware and started to question itself. When a person faces the paradox 
of wanting purpose while thinking that human existence is meaningless, 
cognitive dissonance occurs. Throughout history this has led many to reach 
for spiritual and religious guidance, challenging science as it failed to 
give answers to existential questions such as why or what am I?