The ancient Greeks were great believers in fatalism, which means that whatever happens is predestined. We find this belief all over the world, not only throughout history but in our own days as well. In the past, people used to go to oracles to foresee the future. Today many people believe that they can tell your fortune in the cards, read your palm, or predict your future in the stars.
So is it true? Can no man escape his destiny?
There are so many great individuals that famous for doing extraordinary things. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, William Shakespeare, Moses and so many more. Were these people supposed to become great? Was there future set in stone? There are so many instances where if a series of events hadn't occurred we may have still been living without electricity, famous cathedrals or musical instruments. I believe they were destined for greatness because in the long run it aided humanity in evolving as a species.
Do you remember the day you saw your soul mate? I bet you do. Whether or not anything grew from that first encounter isn't important. They were put in your path for a reason. Maybe you did nothing about it because you were married or depressed or too broke to even think about being in a relationship but you knew in the deepest, darkest corners of your soul that they were the one. Would it have made a difference in your life if you'd reacted to the encounter or none at all? Hundreds of years ago people believed that it would make or break your chances of being somebody or attaining happiness or success. Today we don't really pay much attention to such things and move along rather quickly without thinking about such encounters for too long.
I believe that life is a test. There are moments that will define our future but the question remains... are these moments predestined? Is your future already written somewhere in the Universe?
I'd like for you to tell me what you think.
Till next time...
I am somewhat confused by your question given your general statement of belief, "Nothing came from nothing." This would lead me to the conclusion that you believe the world was created from a rare but random sequence of events, and that there is no God in charge of the universe, the earth, or of what happens in the course of human history, both personal and universal.
ReplyDeleteIf this is truly the case, then you can believe whatever you want about fate, what is good, and what is bad. You are the master of your fate and there are no moral absolutes.
I studied philosophy and ethics under Joseph Fletcher at the University of Virginia. His belief was that whatever a person decides to do does not matter, you decide the outcome. For instance, one of his more famous quotes was that if you see an elderly lady crossing the street, it does not matter if you stop and help her cross, or run her down with your vehicle. What everever you decide is moral and true for you.
This is the question of the ages. Books have been written about it, movies made, plays written. It is a great thing to ponder.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that there is some dynamic tension between "fate" and self-determination. Some things we can change and we don't know which until we try; other things we cannot change no matter how hard we try. We have control over some things, but not others. Some things we are responsible for; some things just happen and we are caught up in them.
The Serenity Prayer is a great encapsulation of a guide for life:
"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference."
If life is a test, is it perhaps a test of truth, justice, mercy, action, acceptance, and wisdom?
I would be remiss if I didn't strongly disagree with the sentiment given in MMN's comment "...Joseph Fletcher... His belief was that whatever a person decides to do does not matter, you decide the outcome. For instance, one of his more famous quotes was that if you see an elderly lady crossing the street, it does not matter if you stop and help her cross, or run her down with your vehicle. What ever you decide is moral and true for you." Just because YOU decided something doesn't make it moral. The answer to the following question determines the morality of your action:
Did you love the old woman by murdering her, or did you love her by helping her across the street?
There is such a thing as right and wrong. The lack of distinction between the two has caused and still causes untold suffering in the world.
Other than that, I'd say this was a pretty 'light' subject. Ha! :-)
It was meant to be light. I'm a little tired today.
ReplyDeleteIt probably was light; it's just that I was very stressed today.
ReplyDeleteGreat subject, though, and well written.
Good God man contain yourself!!!!! Just kidding Brian:)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if the future is written or if we create our own, but fate or free will, what really matters is how we live. No matter what has happened in the past, we all have to go forward and face whatever comes.
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