I believe in choosing my own path, actually. If I had a destiny, it would make some of my life choices very confusing and oh my head hurts now...
But then if things were destined to happen we'd think we have a choice, but in reality no matter what we'd choose what was destined to happen would happen... it's very interesting
One of my favorite parts of philosophy right there. But I don't believe in destiny, at least not completely.
Our lives may be affected by some unknown force(s), but I don't think it's all ''written in the stars'' or anything like that. We are mostly responsible for our future.
Philosophy is fascinating ---------- Post added 5th Aug 2015 at 01:18 AM ---------- But then what about time? Do all the moments exist at the same time? Is time a line? Maybe we live in one moment, but all of the moments from the beginning to the end of the world exist at the same time, which would mean that what will happen is already "written"
My signature, the text of which I wrote, disagrees to this and I disagree. I think most is preordained, by chance. However, calling that chance just chance or fate or destiny or whatever, doesn't matter. I think most is preordained by chance. But even so, I find that we can have a lot of influence over our own lives if we really try, just that we usually don't.
I never believed in "destiny" per se. However a few years ago I believed that everything was a result of the big bang or something else like a code for the universe that determined exactly what laws would govern it's existence. Then I got into physics in school and after I read about Heisenberg's uncertainty principle I was left with the answer that "destiny" does not exist because you can calculate the probability of certain outcomes in quantum physics. However you can never determine the exact outcome. I obviously don't know enough about the universe to say "THIS IS HOW IT IS!" just like everyone else in the world cannot. However from how I understand the uncertainty principle I personally believe that nothing is predetermined and that there are an unlimited amount of outcomes. But then again who is to say that we would ever be able to comprehend the reality of things from within our universe where the forces to this specific existence are acting. That is to say, just because we can calculate with the laws that govern our universe that there is uncertainty, doesn't mean that it is true for every matter of "existence".
I see your point. It is true that a lot about us is determined by the circumstances that surround us, not only events but the way we view the world, but I still think that most people are able to at least decide a significant part of their life outcome. Either way we may never know for sure, it's like asking if we actually have free will or not. If this theory is correct, then yes, but then again there's no way to prove it.
No, I don't believe in destiny. However, I am also what I would define as a loose determinist, and don't believe in free will either. Free will, to me, would imply that we have more control over ourselves than we actually possess. I don't think things are inherently pre-determined (hence why I define myself as a loose determinist and why destiny cannot exist), but I believe we are governed by probability. Us taking certain actions are more likely than others, and certain events taking place around us can alter that probability. Because we are governed by probability, it gives us the illusion that we have free will. However, like I said, if we had free will we would have more control over ourselves than we actually possess. As an example, take someone who has a phobia of clowns or balloons. Clowns or balloons obviously aren't going to hurt them, their fear is completely irrational and they know this. Yet, they do not have the power to just turn it off. This is true for many of our other emotions. Yet, it is also true in more subtle ways as well. As an example, take the bystander effect. This is a huge problem, but it shows how the actions of others influence us. [YOUTUBE]z4S1LLrSzVE[/YOUTUBE] Or how about the pressure to conform to the group, which was proven by Ashe in his famous study? [YOUTUBE]NyDDyT1lDhA[/YOUTUBE] Or how about the infamous Milgram Experiment? (This one is actually not as bad as the original.) [YOUTUBE]4b7YFtiE5EA[/YOUTUBE] Or how about the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment? [YOUTUBE]gb4Q20z0T1Q[/YOUTUBE] And of course, there is much, much more. And none of this even touches on our numerous behavioral habits. The sad truth is, we're not as free willed as we like to think. We are largely governed by probability, and that probability is influenced by a huge number of factors in our lives.
I agree. I do believe that god is calling the shots, and somethings you've no control over while others you do.(!)(!)(!)
Yes. Because of my weird dreams I keep thinking when something drastic is going to happen to me, what kind of person will I turn out, what lessons I need to learn to improve myself, etc.
No. At best people are influenced by their genes and upbringing, but there's no evidence whatsoever for 'destiny'. Only coincidence and conformation bias.