Fate vs Free Will

Can we split the whole world into two camps? Those who think they are responsible and in control for the things that happen to them and those who believe it’s all just luck. Is the answer to all of life’s psychological games simply the question, do you take responsibility? Fate vs free will.

As much as we do take responsibility we know there is a certain degree of luck that is required in this life. What if you sat back more and let things just happen, would the result be the same? Those who strive and take pride in their work and relationships will succeed more often than those who just let life unfold, surely?

Control

‘I can only control my thoughts and my actions’

Responsibilities are sometimes weighty and can feel like a lot of pressure but also a pride can be taken in them.  Personally I have a love/hate relationship with control. Freedom to me is running through a field of tall grass, booking a plane ticket on a whim, basically doing the opposite of what is expected. Well that’s not very responsible is it! Is that why it feels so good?

The way our conditioning controls us and holds us responsible is sometimes the weight of power that determines our actions. There’s no room for dreams in responsible land. But what if being responsible enables dreams, buying that house enables you to buy another house and eventually live in your ‘dream’ home.  Going to school enables your dreams to come true, to work in a city, to get the big shot job that enables you to live by the beach and surf every weekend.

Some people take responsibility too seriously and some seem to have spent their whole life without it ever even brushing past them, never even stood close enough to feel its heavy breath. Perhaps though that is just a perception and they are the swans whose skinny legs are frantically taking responsibility for the enormous weight they feel at sea level.