2007-07-24 07:52:29 · 17 answers · asked by Laptop Jesus 3.9 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ahhh, that one is far more profound than it would appear.
Of course my choices define who I am more than my abilities.
My abilities are things I "have", not who I am.
When you strip away all the things that I *have* - my thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, etc. as well as my material possessions...what remains (who I am) is whoever it is who chooses, who makes choices.
And those choices are expressions of myself.
2007-07-24 09:40:18 · answer #1 · answered by Raven's Voice 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the statement is a little simplistic in that our abilities and our choices interact in such a way that they cannot completely be taken alone as two completely separate-able things. Our choices affect our abilities (i.e. our choice to lift or not lift weights affects our ability to lift heavy objects) and our abilities affect our choices (having a musical ability will determine my choice of whether or not to pursue a music career). Therefore, I think it's important to focus on both: practice making sound choices and develop abilities.
2007-07-24 15:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by KDdid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree. Many of us underperform. Our abilities could be used in any form, yet we chose specific ways to use them. Out actions speak to our beliefs. Our choices limit us - and define more of us than our abilities.
2007-07-25 19:35:08 · answer #3 · answered by awayforabit 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree, simply because even the greatest of athletes (such as Michael Vick) can have their entire legacy ruined by choosing to do bad things. Same with religious figures such as Rev. Ted Haggard, Peter Poppoff, and Jim Baker. For all their followings fund-raising abilities, they could not stop these people from being the very definition of hypocritical.
2007-07-24 15:21:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree completely. Abilities can be changed or grown, but the choice to do so has to happen first.
2007-07-24 14:59:22 · answer #5 · answered by elfkin, attention whore 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree to some extent.
Take the person with intelligence and education and every opportunity in the world -- who goes out and drives drunk and kills someone. That choice will define the rest of his life!
2007-07-24 14:56:17 · answer #6 · answered by kja63 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, regardless of our abilities it is a choice how you wish to act upon them, or apply them. I believe people rarely achieve their true potential, I know I haven't as of yet.
Edit: O, Harry Potter...
2007-07-24 15:09:40 · answer #7 · answered by Link , Padawan of Yoda 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lol...ok, since you are not allowing us to say "both", then I lean more in favor of "CHOICE".
Why? If I have a great gift of gab but CHOOSE NOT to "gossip" with it.... then, that say's something about me that the ability does not.
Peace be with you :)
2007-07-24 15:16:08 · answer #8 · answered by ForeverSet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. My choices determine my circumstances that lock me into the place where I am, however, it is my abilities that make me me.
2007-07-24 14:57:08 · answer #9 · answered by David 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What if my choices are related to my ability to juggle cell phones?
2007-07-24 15:02:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋