Life has been remarkably stagnant ever since I was born. The more things change, the more they stay the same. It just takes a bit of time to realize it and recognize the patterns.
I think that only holds true if we stop making choices.
As far as free will is concerned, the multiverse theory has some great implications for that. Still no answers, but rationales that there are other "yous" out there living ever single possibility.
For example, you're not very likely to become a Christian being raised Muslim in Iran. As much as we'd like to believe we can shape ourselves, we're only a part of the equation.
I'd say that depends on who you ask.
I'm sure the fascists don't have good intentions for the necks under their bootheels.