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Predetermination and the Illusion of Choice
What if everything was already predetermined? I’ve already come to realize that choice is an illusion. Sure, I get to choose what brand of oatmeal I want to eat at the supermarket. That doesn’t necessarily correlate to decisions that matter. Picking out my outfit has given me the illusion that I can determine how my day is. Books have told me that if I think positively, everything will go my way, but what if my way doesn’t matter?
The Illusion of Choice
About 150 million people voted for our upcoming president this past election cycle. This was my first year, and I decided not to join in. Why? I had no horse in this race. It mattered not who would win because democracy itself is an illusion. I am not a fan of the politics of choosing just about anything because there will always be winners and losers. Yes, the candidate won by a majority, but that difference was only 2%. Half the population will have a president they did not vote for. What kind of control is this?
To the determinist, the march of causality will make one outcome inevitable, and so it is wrong to believe that anything else was possible.
I’ve realized what happens in my life is how it should be. It doesn’t matter if I didn’t vote for the candidate. The candidate was elected for a reason. The reason may be something I cannot perceive, but that’s the case in most occurrences in life. Not everything will be done with my consent, but it’s up to me to conclude that whatever happens, it was done for my greater good. Knowing that life was already determined for me lifts me of the responsibility of always trying to get things “right,” as I have no clue what right is. When the election was called, most of my colleagues were bitter. They lost. They believe that the next four years will be a living hell. Is this reality or a predetermined judgment that they will live only because they believe in it? In any circumstance, it’s advantageous to be optimistic.
The Optimism in Letting Go
That’s funny coming from me. I think people know me as someone who tends to lean pessimistically. Yet, if things are as they are supposed to be, my need for control is less. In my book, I chronicle my story of believing I had control and losing control by forfeiting my identity as a good worker. It was a series of unfortunate events. While going through it, I often wondered what would happen if I did this or did it. Now, I hardly think about it. What changed? I’ve realized that my story unfolded as it was supposed to. I was supposed to go through what I went through to become the person I am today. Any alternative is an illusion that only brings suffering, not a solution. Once I have accepted my story, I could learn from it.
Believing in this way comes with a nihilistic reaction. What do you mean we have no free will? I care not to have free will because I know my will aligns with that which is greater than me. I believe in a higher force that aligns everything for my good. When I put my trust in God, I feel a sense of freedom because I know that all that happens, regardless of whether I perceive it positively or negatively, will help me. It’s my responsibility to recognize the greater meaning in all events. As a co-creator, I can work on what I know, and God can work on what I don’t know. From here, we have a harmonious relationship without questioning, stressing, and overthinking. Everything is as it should be.
Questions and Responses
What does it mean to believe that everything is predetermined?
A: Believing that everything is predetermined means accepting that events in life unfold according to a plan or higher purpose. This perspective suggests that we are not entirely in control of our destinies, as outcomes are guided by forces beyond our understanding. It allows people to find meaning and peace in life’s circumstances, even when they seem random or challenging.
How is choice considered an illusion in this context?
The concept of choice being an illusion suggests that while we may feel like we’re making decisions—like choosing oatmeal or an outfit—these choices don’t necessarily influence larger, more meaningful aspects of life. This perspective holds that significant outcomes are already determined, and our sense of control is more of a perception than reality.
What role does democracy play in the idea of predetermination?
Democracy, while empowering on the surface, can feel illusory within the framework of predetermination. For example, even if millions vote, the outcome might seem inevitable, regardless of individual participation. This perspective challenges the idea of control within democratic systems, emphasizing that societal outcomes may unfold as they are meant to, not necessarily as we will them to.
Why do some people find comfort in believing life is predetermined?
Believing in predetermination can be liberating because it alleviates the pressure to always make the “right” decisions or control every outcome. Accepting that life unfolds as it should allows individuals to focus on learning and growing from their experiences rather than stressing over hypothetical alternatives.
Does believing in predetermination conflict with optimism?
Not necessarily. While predetermination may seem nihilistic, it can also foster optimism. When people trust that events happen for the greater good, they may find it easier to stay positive, even during adversity. Recognizing a higher purpose in life’s challenges can encourage resilience and hope.
How does the idea of free will fit into this perspective?
From this viewpoint, free will is less about controlling outcomes and more about aligning personal actions with a higher purpose. It doesn’t negate human agency but suggests that our choices are part of a broader, preordained plan. Many find peace in trusting their will works harmoniously with something greater.
How can someone balance faith in predetermination with personal responsibility?
Balancing these involves focusing on what you can control—your actions, thoughts, and reactions—while trusting that outcomes are guided by a higher force. This approach promotes a sense of co-creation, where individuals act with intention but release attachment to results.
Does believing in predetermination mean giving up on striving for goals?
No, it doesn’t mean giving up. Striving for goals becomes less about control and more about growth and self-discovery. Achieving or not achieving a goal is seen as part of the journey, contributing to the individual’s development in ways they might not immediately understand.
How can accepting predetermination reduce stress and overthinking?
Accepting that life is predetermined can reduce stress by eliminating the need to control every aspect of life. When individuals trust that events are happening as they should, they can let go of excessive worry about “what ifs” and instead focus on being present and adaptive.
What role does faith play in this perspective?
Faith is central to many who believe in predetermination. Trusting in a higher power or universal plan provides comfort and guidance, allowing individuals to accept life’s positive and negative aspects as necessary for their ultimate growth and well-being.
Can accepting predetermination make someone passive?
While it might seem that accepting predetermination could lead to passivity, many find it motivating. They see themselves as participants in a greater plan and work to contribute meaningfully within the framework of what they believe is already destined.
How can this belief help people cope with disappointment?
This belief helps people frame disappointments as stepping stones to growth or as events that fit into a larger, meaningful narrative. It shifts the focus from “Why did this happen to me?” to “What can I learn from this experience?”
How does accepting predetermination impact relationships with others?
It can foster patience and empathy. Believing that everyone’s path is uniquely determined encourages understanding others’ challenges and choices. It reduces judgment and emphasizes connection over control.
What is the significance of seeing oneself as a “co-creator”?
Viewing oneself as a co-creator means actively participating in life with faith that one’s actions and efforts align with a greater plan. It balances personal agency with trust in a higher power, creating a harmonious approach to life.
How can someone start exploring this perspective?
Begin by reflecting on past experiences that seemed difficult but ultimately led to growth or positive outcomes. Practice mindfulness and focus on accepting life’s events as they unfold. Cultivate faith in a higher purpose and shift the mindset from control to trust.
Is this belief system tied to a specific religion?
While some may connect it to faith in God or a higher power, the belief in predetermination can also be philosophical or spiritual, not necessarily religious. It’s about finding peace in the idea that life’s events serve a purpose, whether or not one ascribes to a particular doctrine.
Can this perspective coexist with scientific or rational viewpoints?
Yes, many find ways to reconcile predetermination with rational or scientific beliefs. It can be seen as a philosophical lens rather than a contradiction to logic, emphasizing acceptance and purpose without dismissing the importance of empirical understanding.
What’s the main takeaway from this perspective on predetermination?
The key idea is that life’s events happen as they should, often for reasons we may not immediately comprehend. Accepting this can bring peace, reduce stress, and encourage growth, allowing individuals to embrace life fully, even amid uncertainty.