are we passive or active creatures?

Question

do we really got the abililty to choose what happens to us? many times i find myself in positions i had no choice in them, it made me think that i am a passive creature who has no control over her path, i mean that my life are nothing but an already written book, and the only thing im really doing is reading what's already written for me, i dont choose my path or create my destiny, i only discover it, afterall, the most imp decidions on my life was mostly controlled by external factors that i couldn't choose, now i beleive that we only have a choice only in whether u'll have a choclate or strawberry icecream, but when it comes to imp things, we have no choice at all? what do u think?

Answer 1

Everyone does whatever they want. Really. You may think "No, that's not true, I'm forced to do some things, like go to work" but that's not true either. You have an alternative; you could be homeless. However, you Choose to go to work. Even if someone had you at gunpoint and ordered you to, say, open some high-security door, you could Choose not to. You would die, but you wanted that more than you wanted to open said door. Most people who believe that they have no choices are Choosing to have no choices. You should take command of your life. Think over all your options, and I mean all of them, no matter how central they are to your life.

Answer 2

That deep. I'd like to believe we make our own destiny a reality, but I think that the older one gets the more their choices are limited. A lot of choices someone makes as a kid/young adult has a very direct impact on the variety of choices they'll have later. For example; many of my choices revolve around how they will impact my wife, and kids. If I had no wife, and kids the things I base my decisions on would be different. Choosing to go to college, or choosing to stay out of trouble with the law, are a couple choices, made earlier in life, that can have a huge impact on the choices availible to you later in life. I think the most true to life quote I've ever heard in my life is, "if I only knew then, what I know now".

Answer 3

you are asking an either/or question. you are trying to apply a certain kind of logic and reason to a universe that doesn't necessarily operate according to the kinds of principles you want to devise to explain your role here. the truth is, it's both. we are passive and active. everything is a choice yet it's all laid out for us. all at the very same time. you may protest that this doesn't make any sense it has to be one or the other. but if you doubt the truth of what I'm saying all you have to do is look around you, and examine what you know is the truth. don't ask me for an explanation of why or how it got to be this way. empirical observation won't get you anywhere in this game. you won't be able to pin it down that way. once you realize that's a misleading application of logic and empirical observation, it's really not so hard to accept. there are lots and lots of different things that seem to be true even if they contradict each other. somehow the clockwork of the universe manages not to explode from the confusion of it all. try not to let it blow your circuits out, either.

Answer 4

Not only active or passive but reactive, inventive, selective and subjective also.

Someone asked the same question from Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the holy prophet Muhammad (may Peace be upon him). Ali asked this man to raise his one foot which he did. Next Ali asked the man to raise the other fot also which naturally he could not. Therein lies the answer. You are allowed to act upto the limits defined but not more.

As far as the tone of your question goes it seems that you do not have the will or courage to stand up for what you believe is right. Well then don't complain. Man is today what he is because he modified what you term as the external factors. We have a choice and it is only right to make a choice - but a considered balanced and unselfish one.

Answer 5

We follow a predestined path, a story written by somebody, and we are all actors in a drama. We do have a choice as to how to act, we may show some traits that a writer has not mentioned in a scene but we basically stick to the script. If we accept this there is less disstisfaction. You also can observe the drama and enjoy it. I know it is difficult but it is one way to take things we have no control over.

Answer 6

Bad things happen that are out of our control because of the decisions other people make, but we are not predestined. I believe God gave us all free will, so much that the decisions we make not only control our destiny but can also harm others. Every day we are potential victims of the decisions of others, constantly being influenced by our surroundings in many ways. Incidentally, there are things we cannot control in our lives and we may feel unfortunate to have happen to us. In the end we are what we make ourselves out to be (or let ourselves become) despite outer influence. Some of us are born into more difficult circumstances than others and may feel powerless much of the time, but we all have the ability to rise above whatever hinders our dreams and ultimate self-chosen path.

Answer 7

everything that happens in our life is because we chose for that to happen...

you choose what happens to you no matter what. but do you know why you feel this way? its because everyone on this planet want the same thing... to be happy :)

this is no joke. think about it, everyone does something that will ultimately make them happier in life. so although your life seems as planned out as the next everyday joe, its just because you both are looking for the same thing: happiness.

what makes you happy is different for everyone, but our choices also seem the same because everyone wants a good. we are all good people, just some are a lesser good than others. if i kill someone because they yelled at me, that would be wrong, but his death would be a good to me, and bring me happiness. this of course was uncalled for, but to him it was a good.

anyways, getting back on track.... we all have a choice, its merely that everyones goal is the same that everything seems all planned out.

Answer 8

Hi Sherin !!!

Sweetie, we are totally and completely active creatures!!!
I can sense in your words that you may be very young, eager to live your life, but for some reason, you are very sad and depressed. Probably still need to follow rules that makes you feel not in control. I could be wrong, but I think I'm not.

Yes. you have the right to choose, GOD made us with a unique "FREE WILL", but since we are not alone, that "FREE WILL", is actually controlled by parents, religion, culture, society,and a whole of others aspects in life!!! And yes, some people abuse of this .

NO ONE is passive. Take this test, sit still or lay down and relax. Pay attention to your body, to what you can hear, feel and see. Even in the most still position your body and mind will be completely active, and ready to any commands at "FREE WILL". If you can think then you exist, therefor you are active!!!!

You seem to be going through some issues wich are making you doubt of your own abilities. Whether it is that you need to follow rules, or some one else is taking desicions on your behave; please do not get stuck on this, if this is abusive,PLEASE SEEK HELP AND GET OUT AS SOON AS POSIBLE!!!! DON'T BE AFRAID!!!

Every body needs to follow rules, laws and regulations in life. And even adults they make their own, this is to help us go thruogh life easier. But some abuse of this.

You DO have the control of your life, but you have to start some place. First, your MIND!!!! Don't let any negative experience keep you behind. Be smart and used them to "boost "
you off, learn from them!!!

Most of the important people in society, became to be what they are, because of this experiences!!!! So be smart,
pray, and don't forget, that you don't need to accept or be scared to actually get the help you need.

I'm sensing a lot of trauma, in your words, but you need to learn, understand and know that the only way that some one can help you is if you speak up!!!! Start taking control of your life , but do it in a very smart way!!! Don't put yourself in danger!!

I hope is not sexual or domestic violence, or any other abuse of any kind. If this is the case, please, please, don't be afraid to get some help, at ones!!!!
How old are you??? What is that makes you feel so depressed and lonely???

You are the ONLY ONE, who can help yourself by,
SPEAKING UP!!!! But be clear in your needs, there is help waiting for you. Wether it is a simple solution or something very serious. But you are totally capable of staying or getting out of it!!!

Police, school officials, hospitals and other organizations should be contact in any serious. matters.

Yes , you have the ability and you are totally capable of desiding if to stay in which ever situation you are are this point in time or to find the proper help AND GET OUT OF IT!!!!

GOD BLESS YOU, I"LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
ALLIV Z