Is your destiny created or fated?

Answer 1

If you believe the argument that we really don't have free will, then destiny or fate must be fixed. Here's how the argument goes (which seems reasonable):

Assume that our minds are controlled entirely by our brain and other biological/environmental processes. (That is, assume that ghosts and souls don't exist.) Well, our brain is made up of just physical matter: cells, neurons, synapses, etc. All physical matter follow the laws of physics.

For instance, if you threw a rock off a cliff, someone who had all the right information (initial velocity of the rock, wind speed & direction, height of cliff, mass of rock, etc.), could predict exactly where that rock would land before you even threw it. The rock has no choice but to land at that spot, given the initial conditions.

Your brain and its neurons, etc. also work that way. If someone knew the state of every cell in your brain (which neurons were firing, etc.) and had a complete understanding of the human mind, that person could predict what you are thinking/feeling now, and what you will do next. If that person also knows everything about the world (what every person is doing, weather patterns, etc.), then s/he could even predict what you'll be doing one year from now.

Unless you believe in God, no person now could predict these things. But that doesn't take away from the claim that your actions are predictable, if only there were a person capable of making those predictions.

In this physical world, how then can a neuron decide to fire or not fire all by itself and contrary to physical laws/processes? Where is there room for free will to "grab" a neuron to make it do something that it otherwise wouldn't do?...

This is why many philosophers think that free will is just an illusion. It's hard to deny that we have the experience of free will, but harder to prove that we have free will. How do you prove that you could have done something else, when that thing has already been done??...

The implications of this are vast. If we don't have free will, then we aren't really responsible for our actions, right? And that means that we shouldn't be punished, since we really didn't have a choice in the matter. And other moral dilemmas.

Answer 2

For the most part I think it is created.. you make your goals and relationships that you want.

on the other hand ... I do believe there is some 'fate' in your life in regards to people you meet - that can't be controlled. People will come in and out of your life.

You definately have a hand in your destiny... fate might play a small part but ultimately you decide your destiny.

Answer 3

There is no future but what we make it, and every future is individual. Because each human is capable of affecting their future by the decisions now made, there can be no absolutes in any temporal equation. Thus we do in effect create a destiny that is not pre-ordained. Each decision, and every road taken will effect the future you make for yourself.

Answer 4

You now enter into the realm of predestination. A think that has been debated by different theologians for a very long time. I for one believe in predestination. Acts 2:23 this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. Acts 4:28 to do whatever Thy hand and Thy purpose predestined to occur. Rom 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; Rom 8:30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 1 Cor 2:7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; Eph 1:5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Eph 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, I think there are sufficient verses here to justify predestination.

Answer 5

you will find that in your palm reading.

I have not fate line, and in reality I wish I was blessed enough to forsee my goals and ride the wave right to it.

I on the other hand have to get up everyday and figure how I am to get what I need to achieve my goals.

Answer 6

Created. You can become whatever you want if you work hard enough and try hard enough.

Answer 7

asked and answered many times. Check out the archives.

Answer 8

You will create it yourself. one way or the other. Do nothing,be nothing. Do something, be something. Etc.