George Mack

The article defines high agency as the ability to take control of reality instead of passively reacting to it. It combines three key traits: clear thinking, bias toward action, and willingness to disagree with norms. High agency people solve problems creatively, question assumptions, and act even under uncertainty. They reject “impossible” thinking and believe most problems can be solved unless they violate physics. Low agency comes from mental traps like overthinking, conformity, vague thinking, and fear of action. The core idea: high agency means shaping your life actively—turning ideas into reality instead of waiting.