The fate vs. free will debate has raged since ancient times. One sure way to offer an educated viewpoint on the topic of fate vs. free will involves two things:
- Long-term observation of the circumstances and events in the lives of many individuals.
- Simultaneous, objective predictive analysis, such as identifying the corresponding patterns of the comprehensive astrology and numerology charts to the key events and circumstances in many people’s lives.
My findings indicate that at least 75% of the core circumstances and events in everyone’s life are predetermined. I’ve been called “fatalistic,” yet people who know me realize I’m an optimist.
Merriam-webster dictionary defines fatalism as, “A doctrine that events are fixed in advance so that human beings are powerless to change them…”
While I believe you have free will to make the most of your life, it’s impossible to deny unalterable personal fate after you see the constant repetition of patterns in the comprehensive charts directly corresponding to happenings in people’s lives.
Some inspirational speakers argue that fatalism is pessimistic and a deadly adversary, that unavoidable personal adversity doesn’t exist, and to admit to fatalism is to create personal adversity.
Such contentions are seen for what they are–myths–when you witness unavoidable personal fate in action. There is a lot in life you can’t control, like the actions of other people, though that doesn’t mean you can’t be an optimist.
Although it may not be politically correct, it isn’t pessimistic, for example, to acknowledge that there exist, and always will exist, legions of very bad people in this world that would blow you to kingdom come if given the chance.
It also isn’t pessimistic to state the obvious, that people, generally, don’t ever really change. Combine that with the fact that you can’t control the actions of other people, along with the many other things in life you can’t dictate, and you’re faced with the reality that you don’t have 100% control over the events and circumstances in your life.
Thus, fatalism is realism, and such a philosophy is a sign of humility. In addition, it allows you to better prepare for life’s challenges and capitalize on the rewards to live a more gratifying life.
Copyright © 2013 Scott Petullo
One Response
Amen.