It is widely acknowledged that the most significant factors shaping our destiny and life trajectory are beyond our control. These elements, which include our intelligence, appearance, family background, and educational opportunities, seem to be bestowed upon us by some higher force—whether we call it God, nature, the divine, or the universe. These foundational aspects, which we do not choose, play a crucial role in determining our future.
When we discuss free will, we often refer to the personal traits that enable us to overcome our circumstances and achieve our goals. For instance, consider an individual born into adverse conditions who, through hard work, determination, and focus, manages to rise above their situation to achieve success. We typically attribute such accomplishments to their free will. However, it is worth considering that these qualities—hard work, determination, resilience—might also be ingrained in us from the start. Perhaps some people are inherently more driven, disciplined, and resilient, allowing them to thrive despite challenging circumstances. This perspective suggests that their success might also be predestined.
To illustrate further, let us consider the example of a smoker striving to quit. When this individual decides to take control, demonstrating discipline and determination to overcome their addiction, we often view this as an exercise of free will. Yet, who is to say that the strong desire to quit, despite the addiction, is not also a part of their inherent nature?
This is not to suggest that free will is nonexistent and that we are merely following a predetermined path. However, it raises the question of how difficult it is to distinguish between what is genuinely an act of free will and what is simply the unfolding of our unconscious programming. The interplay between these two forces is so intricate that it becomes nearly impossible to discern the extent to which we are proactively shaping our destiny versus passively experiencing it.
Many individuals, including myself, grapple with the question of how much of our actions are truly our own doing versus predetermined. Finding a definitive answer to this question is profoundly challenging, and continuously seeking clarity may not yield a satisfactory conclusion. Therefore, it may be more constructive to craft a personal understanding that empowers us. Thinking of our lives in extremes can be disempowering. For instance, attributing all our achievements solely to ourselves can foster arrogance and egoism, ignoring the significant role of factors beyond our control, such as the family and environment we were born into. Conversely, believing everything is predestined can make us feel helpless and passive, leading to complacency and a lack of action towards our goals.
Acknowledging that the true answer may be elusive, we must navigate the delicate balance between free will and destiny. Embracing gratitude for the mere gift of existence itself is crucial. We could have never existed, never been, never known or experienced anything. Simply being alive is a profound blessing. Alongside this gratitude, we must actively strive to improve our lives, recognizing that we always have the choice to make things better.
In conclusion, while the debate between free will and destiny remains complex and elusive, we can shape our perspective to foster a sense of empowerment and gratitude. By acknowledging what we can control and accepting what is beyond our influence, we navigate life with resilience and purpose. This balanced approach allows us to appreciate the gift of existence and strive towards fulfilling our potential, guided by a harmonious blend of acceptance and proactive action.
