Does fate exist?

In class, we debated whether life is a plan already laid out by a higher power and is governed by fate or if life follows the concept of the butterfly effect in that everything is so connected that every choice a person makes ultimately alters the future of all who are touched by that decision. As a reference to fate, King Oedipus demonstrates the belief that no matter how a person attempts to alter the path by which is or her life is laid out, fate cannot be escaped. Fate is like a magnet, constantly pushing and pulling one towards the ultimate result of each person’s life and can never be avoided. However, the foreign film, “Run Lola, Run” exhibits just the opposite. This film displays life as an ever-changing maze in which every decision has an effect on each person involved; no matter how small a role that person may play. Each choice results in a completely different outcome, therefore the concept of the butterfly effect governs life as we know it.

I cannot honestly say that I can whole-heartedly choose one belief and deem it as true. I believe that these beliefs are very situational and depend on what the true purpose of life is. I personally have been conflicted in my beliefs on the universe, the purpose of life, and the concept of a higher power. All of these conflictions seem to line up with whether I believe that life is governed by fate or the butterfly effect. Therefore I have come to two possible philosophies…

1. Life can only be governed by fate if there is a higher power. If there is a whole other world that cannot be seen by the human eye or tangible to human touch, one that governs the way of life and fulfills a spiritual place in the world, then I believe that fate rules the way of the world. If the idea of a higher-power is correct, I believe that a person’s life has a distinct path laid out and everything that occurs to that person, every encounter, every relationship, every celebratory and tragic event, happens for a reason.

2. Life is nothing more than a cycle of life and death. The earth is nothing more than a rock in which we inhabit. We grow as organisms with no special purpose and die as an organism. A life has no significant meaning, and any sense of purpose does not really exist. The idea of purpose is merely a concept concocted by man and extends no further beyond the human mind. I believe that if this is the truth to life on earth, than the butterfly effect governs the outcome of life. Because we have no meaning, nothing that we do has a reason. Life is just a path filled with choices, and we alter the future based on those choices.  Life is just a web of chaos in which each strand leads in a different direction. Because there is no higher-power, humans have nothing more than each other to relay on, therefore we all affect each other with every decision we make.

Honestly, I have no clue as to which of my two viewpoints I believe. I want to believe the first philosophy. I want there to be a higher-power in life, one that gives humans meaning and gives truth to the saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” However, I do not believe that I can whole-heartedly commit to this idea. Something holds me back from believing this philosophy, and I cannot understand what it is and why... And as for the second viewpoint, I do not want to believe that humans serve no purpose, however I can’t help but believe that we are nothing more than organisms existing in a universe of so much nothingness. The idea of fate and the butterfly effect really conflict with my ideas on life. However there is only one thing I can say that I believe unreservedly: Fate can only exist in a world that consists of some type of higher-power, and the butterfly effect can only exist in a world in which humans are nothing more than meaningless organisms alone in the belief that they serve a purpose.

Now the question that stands is whether or not there is a purpose to life…

The Path to Power

When I began to read Beowulf, I came across a quote that immediately stuck out to me. The quote read, “Behaviour that’s admired is the path to power among people everywhere.” This quote is used in Beowulf to illustrate how the warrior culture embraces the direct relationship between the ruler and the ruled. It puts an emphasis on the importance of the ruler’s admired behavior received from those that are being ruled over. I think that the reason why this quote is so significant to me is because I personally believe that it is entirely true. I think that I have lived my life by the words of this quote without ever setting eyes on it until now.

As a coach for the Oxford Golden Bears, the Alumni Assistant of the Amerikids, and an officer of many honor societies and activities, I know how to display myself and the appropriate way to act under each and every circumstance. I understand that my behavior reflects who I am as a person, and I ensure that the proper behavior is demonstrated at all times. I believe that there is a certain way to act, behave, and respond in various situations. Call me a woman of many disguises, faces, or whatever you may think, but I take pride in having the ability to adapt to each circumstance. I believe that this ability should not be shunned, but admired, and through my personal experiences, I have received such admiration. Due to my ability to adjust easily to different conditions, I have received a great amount of respect and admiration from both the people I work with, such as the coaches and advisors, and the people that observe my work, such as the parents, family members, and friends. Now you may be wondering, what does behavior that is admired have anything to do with power? Well, let me tell you. To have a person’s respect is to have a substantial influence over them, and this is equivalent to having the power to influence that person’s decisions, beliefs, morals, etc. Therefore, admirable behavior results in power.

I truly believe that this quote is true. Power is only achieved by displaying commendable behavior. If a person were to make irrational decisions at inappropriate times, respect would not be received by those below that person. Influence could be lost, and with no influence, no power is attained. I really enjoyed discovering this quote and diving deeper into how I myself feel about this debatable excerpt.