I like these thought provoking posts, so thanks for providing them. I would agree that everyone has the power of choice, but I think up to a point. Something that comes to mind and is very prevalent in the Philippines are young poor people getting pregnant and having children. Yes it is their choice to have unprotected sex [condoms and contraceptives cost money]. Yes it is their choice to have the child [abortion is still taboo in the Catholic Philippines]. But being young, impoverished, and lacking proper education, these happen a lot.

From this point, they barely have any choice left. The girl will stop going to school to take care of the child. Eventually the guy will find a minimum wage job, the girl will do odd jobs like washing laundry for others or working as a household helper. They will barely have any savings and have 4 children. Then the cycle continues.

For those that don't get pregnant early, they tend to work while still helping their parents and siblings. The oldest usually end up supporting everyone and help pay for the other's education. To be fair, these are the ones that end up with some choices down the road if they're lucky.

Choosing the right path is important and special. But sometimes, even that basic commodity is not available to others. Unless of course they go the 'selfish' route and leave everything behind and start new and focus on themselves.