More than anything else, I think, is that people want to feel their life is not out of control. The first step of a 12-step program is to admit that you are powerless. The second step is to admit to a greater power that can help you (usually God). That's essentially what most people want. Being responsible for your actions creates a lot of anxiety. They'd rather give up something that makes them happy in exchange for something that removes their fear. If I'm reincarnated as a little cat I would much rather be a house pet than a wild cat, but if the house rules are too restrictive I might turn wild!
