Destiny, Fate and Other Excuses

I am often amazed at how often story plots involve the concept of fate or destiny, which are virtually the same thing. Fate is the concept that our lives are predetermined by some supernatural power to turn out a certain way. There is an implication or belief that we can't or shouldn't avoid this life plan.

The idea that events in our lives are predetermined to happen regardless of our efforts to avoid them or that trying to avoid our fate is to court disaster is repugnant to me. There are somethings we can't avoid such as our race, gender and sexual preference, for example (Michael Jackson not withstanding). And there are somethings we can only tinker with such as education and employment choices. But the idea that I, or anyone else, is destined to be whatever we turn out to be is to me silly.

Yet many people cling to this notion with dog on the leg determination and no doubt wars have been fought because of it. President Bush has publicly declared that he feels that God has tapped him on the shoulder to do his work on earth. Rationalization or closely held belief? It makes no difference really. The outcome is the same. Those that believe nod their heads in reverent assent and the rest of us shake our head in disbelief.

I think the reasons for doubt are obvious. If we believe we are human beings with free will than we should be ale to alter our fate, for better and worse by the choices we make. If we believe in destiny than...well...I guess...I don't know. Do we go with the flow and whatever happens happens? Or, do we pray for enlightenment. For those of us who believe that God is not out there waiting for our call, this is a huge pill to swallow and an impossible concept to accept.

Why is this idea of predestination so popular. I believe it's because the idea is so comfortable to those that succeed in their definition of life and allows those that don't to blame someone other than themselves. I don't mean to say it's a cowards way out of failure, but it sure works that way if you want it to.

Like the concepts of turning yourself over to a higher power, admitting that you can't live your life alone, that you need others to discover your true meaning and role in life, I think fate deserves an asterisk next to it's use. Such as, when a young person is killed in an auto accident where they were operating a vehicle at high speed while under the influence of alcohol, we should avoid the bromide that somehow it was fate and God has a lesson in this event that is meant for all of us. This might be good graveside rationalization and comforting for the parents and loved ones of the deceased, but on review it's kind of hallow and damming. What part of fate does the parent have to bare in their grief.

Often life's experiences have no apparent explanation. The issues surrounding events can be complex and confusing. The complexity can lead to frustration over the cause and effect of experience. We have this need to have things explained, to lay blame. This, I submit, leads to the shortcut thinking of, "Oh well, it's just fate."