In "Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking," Malcolm Gladwell explores the concept of free will, suggesting that it is often an illusion. He argues that our decisions and actions are frequently driven by subconscious processes rather than conscious thought, leading us to operate on "automatic pilot." This perspective emphasizes how much of our behavior is influenced by external factors that we may not be aware of.

Gladwell highlights the idea that our rapid judgments and spontaneous responses are more shaped by the environment and social cues than we typically acknowledge. This challenges the notion that we are always in control of our choices, revealing the complexity of decision-making and the hidden influences that affect our thoughts and actions.