LiveJournal auto-post
In a recent online discussion, I found myself having to define "fate" for a person who didn't seem to quite grasp the concept. I came up with a description of the concept that I'd like to share, so I'll quote myself:
"Fate encompasses the idea that who and what you are will dictate, to a
degree, the actions that you take in life. At some certain, fundamental
level, you are incapable of acting against the essence of what you are
at your very core. Does this negate the concept of "free will"?
Certainly not. But again, at that fundamental level, who you are helps
to determine what your so-called "free will" will cause you to choose to
do and to be. To this extent, you are at the mercy of your own fate--and
you have no one to blame for it but yourself. "
"Fate encompasses the idea that who and what you are will dictate, to a
degree, the actions that you take in life. At some certain, fundamental
level, you are incapable of acting against the essence of what you are
at your very core. Does this negate the concept of "free will"?
Certainly not. But again, at that fundamental level, who you are helps
to determine what your so-called "free will" will cause you to choose to
do and to be. To this extent, you are at the mercy of your own fate--and
you have no one to blame for it but yourself. "