"The range of choice open to the individual is not the decisive factor in determining the degree of human freedom, but what can be chosen and what is chosen by the individual"

Herbert Marcuse's quote delves into the complex nature of human liberty, challenging the traditional belief that flexibility merely equates to having a large range of choices. He recommends that the amount of options readily available to an individual is not the most vital determinant of their freedom. Rather, true liberty is specified by the quality and nature of those options-- what can be chosen and what actually is selected.

Firstly, Marcuse indicates that the offered choices should be meaningful and substantive. In contemporary society, people frequently deal with an abundance of options, from consumer goods to profession courses. Nevertheless, these options might be shallow, affecting personal preferences instead of showing genuine autonomy or the capability to form one's life instructions. If the options are manipulated or restricted by external forces, such as social standards, financial pressures, or political constraints, they do not add to real freedom. Hence, freedom is curtailed not by the variety of choices, however by their credibility and influence on human prospective and development.

Secondly, Marcuse highlights the importance of the options that are eventually made. Flexibility is also about the person's capability to critically assess and purposefully make choices that resonate with their worths and aspirations. The act of choosing shows autonomy when it's done thoughtfully and aligns with one's ethical and individual beliefs. Thus, it is not simply the external schedule of choices but the internal decision-making procedure that defines one's flexibility.

This analysis invites a critical examination of our social structures and individual habits, urging a shift from quantity to quality in our understanding of free will. It challenges us to scrutinize the societal constructs that restrict significant options and to promote environments where people can make informed and reflective decisions. Eventually, Marcuse's viewpoint requires a much deeper engagement with both the nature of readily available choices and the deliberateness of our choices, promoting for a more profound and authentic sense of freedom.