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The problem with that, Dilbert, is that it means our actions aren't up to us. If every action is bound up in cause and effect the way you describe, then my actions are caused by something beyond my control. For example, say I perform action p. However, if a stegosaurus had died five days before he actually did, I would perform action~p. But since when the stegosaurus dies is not up to me, then my actions are not up to me. But, since it's clear we are responsible for some of our actions, this cannot be the case.
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"Die Deutschen meinen, daß die Kraft sich in Härte und Grausamkeit offenbaren müsse, sie unterwerfen sich dann gerne und mit Bewunderung:[...]. Daß es Kraft giebt in der Milde und Stille, das glauben sie nicht leicht."
"The Germans believe that power must reveal itself in hardness and cruelty and then submit themselves gladly and with admiration[...]. They do not believe readily that there is power in meekness and calm."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
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