*Decidere* means 'to cut off' in latin. That's where the word 'decide' comes from. The meaning hasn't changed. Deciding means cutting away alternatives. Freedom is choosing, and choosing is saying no. Upon landing in Spain in 711 Tariq ibn Ziyad burnt down his own fleet to ashes. He then turned to his soldiers. >Oh my warriors, whither would you flee? Behind you is the sea, before you, the enemy. You have left now only the hope of your courage and your constancy. Remember that in this country you are more unfortunate than the orphan seated at the table of the avaricious master. Making decisions irreversible has a way to making your mind pay attention and stop trying. On the other hand, keeping your options open has a way to leave you walking around the roundabout of the choice you're postponing.