Q. Is the whole universe going on automatically, and is there no free will? A. Yes, man is born in a universe which is going on automatically, and he is born helpless. Therefore it is true that the condition is such, but what is the child born with? He is born with a desire to do as he will. This desire is the proof of there being a free will, which is put to the test under all opposing conditions and influences which the soul meets with through life. And to rise above all the opposing influence and to give the fullest expression to the free will brings about that result of life which is the fulfillment of the soul's coming on earth.