<p>Are we free to make our own choices in life, or are our decisions always limited by the role of society?</p>
<p>Although it is easier for people to blame society and others for their mistakes, people should realize that they are responsible for their own actions. In society, people are free to make their own choices and are thus responsible for any negative consequences that may fall on them. In the novel, The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbra Kingsolver, Leah price chooses by herself, free of influence from others, to remain in Africa, Furthermore, Bernard Madoff was not forced by anyone to conduct the Ponzi scheme that he did with his company; he had the free choice of doing so. Leah Price and Bernard Madoff both reveal that people are free to make their own decisions.</p>
<p>Leah Price, from The Poisonwood Bible, made her own decision to stay in Africa after all her family had left. She could have returned to American with her mother and sister, instead she chose to stay behind and face the dangers of Africa. Leah stayed behind because of her love for Antole and her desire to face the future with him. While Antole and her family all urged her to return to American and avoid the civil unrest in Congo, Leah made her own choice to stay behind and face possible harm from Africans who despise white people for their action in destroying their home.</p>
<p>Similar to how Leah Price was able to make her own decision, Bernard Madoff was also free to choose whether or not to make a Ponzi scheme. No one put a gun up to his head and forced him. Rather, his greed for money compelled him to set up the Madoff Ponzi scheme, the biggest Ponzi scheme yet in US history. Berney Madoffs scheme robbed his investors of billions of dollars, but he did this at his own free will. He did not even consider the social repercussions of his scheme. His decision to set up such a scheme ultimately led to his imprisonment and fine of 170 billion dollars; he was punished for his poor decision from his choice.</p>
<p>The experiences of Berney Madoff and Leah Price shed light on how people are always free to make their own decisions. Leah Price, from The Poisonwood Bible, chose to stay behind in Africa against her family and lovers advice, and thus exhibiting free choice. In addition, Bernard Madoff decide to set up a grand Ponzi scheme on his own accord. Leah and Bernard Madoff demonstrate how people can always choose for themselves. In this sense, people can only blame themselves for any negative consequences may result since they chose to so themselves.</p>