But Abrahams believes that the problem is not so much human willpower as finance.
Contrary to the notion that it's all in our heads, Baumeister provides a lengthy review of studies that suggest willpower draws disproportionately on blood glucose, a brain fuel.
He then dismisses Baumeister's notion that willpower is like a muscle as probably nothing more than a "catchy metaphor".
He went on: "He understands that his previous offending was because he had a drink problem and it's in my submission an indication of the strength of his character that he himself has overcome that drink problem through determination and willpower.
To attack Baumeister's notion, Mischel supplies a paper that argues the contrary, and also cites the work of Stanford's Professor Carol Dweck, who thinks our levels of willpower depend, to a great extent, on our beliefs.
Across Europe, the Greek precedent created perhaps the biggest crisis the EU has ever faced, as markets speculated that it might not have enough cash or willpower to see through the costly rescue bid, and that Greece might ultimately be left to crash out of the eurozone – an ominous precedent.
And if you're Sheryl Sandberg, with brains, connections, willpower and money, then the world is your oyster – even if it doesn't feel that way to her right now.
Islands are a prism through which we can see our world, but they have also been prisons from which to escape – if, for example, you are Papillon, aka Henri Charrière, who fled Devil's Island in 1969, or Robben Island, from which the great Nelson Mandela escaped by other means - his strength of character and the willpower and bravery of those who supported him.
His once formidable willpower was fading, and his thoughtless treatment of his family when he was a younger, ambitious man had caught up with him.
For Liliana, willpower alone will not suffice.
Because of ignorance or intemperance, lack of willpower or brainpower, people choose badly.
