Stephen Hawking’s observation that “even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road” is a deliciously ironic comment on the inconsistencies in human belief systems. At its core, this quote sheds light on the paradox of fate versus free will—a debate that has fascinated philosophers, theologians, and scholars for centuries.
5 Key takeaways from – Even people who claim everything is predestined look before they cross the road:
- There is a common inconsistency in human beliefs about fate and free will.
- Even those who believe in predestination make choices implying they have control over outcomes.
- The appeal of destiny might lie in its absolution of personal responsibility.
- Our everyday actions reveal that we do believe in the power of choice.
- While the debate between fate and free will continues, it’s clear that our choices have a meaningful impact.
Even people who claim everything is predestined look before they cross the road
People often lean on the concept of destiny or fate as a comfort mechanism. It’s somewhat reassuring to think that no matter what we do, there’s a higher plan that will take care of us. However, these same people contradict their own belief in predestination by making conscious choices—like looking both ways before crossing the street. By doing so, they are acting on the principle that their actions have consequences, that they have a role to play in shaping their own futures.
So, why this discrepancy? It might be because the idea of a predestined path absolves us of responsibility. If everything is already laid out, then our actions don’t really matter, do they? But deep down, we know this isn’t true. Every choice we make, no matter how small, has the potential to change our lives in significant ways. This creates a cognitive dissonance, where our actions don’t align with our stated beliefs.
Hawking, a physicist who contributed significantly to our understanding of the universe, was no stranger to complex systems and unpredictability. His quote reminds us that, whether in the realms of science or daily life, we can’t afford to overlook the role of individual agency. Destiny or not, it’s our choices that define us.
Comments – Inspiration in the quote
I have often had these questions! Am I a fatalist? Am I someone who determines my own destiny? And each time I have got a conflicting answer, never to realize which one I am completely in sync with. Turns out that the answers keep changing each time ;).
But I do have an issue with me being a fatalist – it creates the definition that everything is predetermined, nothing around us is in control and no matter what we do, what is supposed to happen will happen! That means that I have no control at all over what is going to happen in my life. It may be true, but doesn’t that create a helpless cry?
Doing nothing Vs Doing something
I mean to say if that is the case, there is no need for me to do anything at all, I can simply sit at home, probably do nothing, just keep myself in total relaxation, never involve myself in the hustle bustle of the daily life. Sounds simple and easy doesn’t it? If that is the case, I guess I would be completely miserable, not knowing what to do, how to and most importantly why to do that something!
On the other hand, if I am a believer that everything is in my control, well maybe I am telling myself a lie. But my question is – IS IT THAT BAD A LIE? Atleast it gives me a sense of responsibility, a very strong push to keep myself in action, the brilliant competition which keeps the senses alive and elevates us each moment and that fire inside which keeps pushing us outside of our comfort zone and makes us achieve those beautiful things which define us and to a certain extent which keep every spirit in our lives alive.
Having said this, I wouldn’t want to be completely against fate either, I am unsure about that whole conundrum. But something I am sure of is what Hawking says – even fatalists look at either end of the road, there is perhaps not an easy way to say and give it all up. We love the sense of control, we love the sense of working towards those things which mean a lot to us. We love the very sense and the very definition of US. Perhaps if a fatalist can define that, then I guess that might be the way to go! Till then, I would certainly like to believe that I am in control, even if it is a lie!!
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking
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I loved sakshi’s comment. no beating that!! yes..i do believe in fate. There is a proverb in tamil which goes “Vidhi vigidam buthi anusaranai” which means the As the fate deems it, the mind thinks and acts. am not going to even start talking on fate…its a whole new post..lol..good work :)
:).. That’s actually a very nice quote. Hadn’t heard of it – In my defense I really don’t understand Tamil ;). But a very sensible one Preethi, mind acts as the fate deems it. It has got a certain depth into it. He he and it is a whole new post indeed :D
I think I am master of my fate.. I’m controlling everything that happens to me.. good or bad.. And I also think that attitude plays very vital part in believing in fate. How we look at things is a subjective matter, so I think this discussion is never going to end… at ant point of time.. ;) :)
In my view, I am responsible for what is happening to me & I am master of my fate!!
That’s the spirit Pratik, missed you around here a bit. Hope things are going great :).
I agree, there are so many conflicting thoughts about what controls us and what we control, and it is always a great feeling to be in control of things around us. That way we have more responsibility to own up to and be a part of~
Everything happens for a reason…
what should happen should certainly happen..it is beyond our control
If its favourable it is LUCK unfavourable is FATE…
AND lastly i say
I totally believe in god who writes my days. :)
Perhaps true Veena, I think it is probably be the best way to handle something when it has happened, I do agree to a certain extent that on the broader scheme of things all occurrences lead us somewhere.. I am sometimes confused about the concepts of definition though, I finally come to a thought that it all happens to bring the best out of us :)
Fate do play an important role,however it is upto us to take it in a good way or a bad way and move or plan ahead accordingly.Fate sometimes changes,that is why what is predicted isn’t always true!
Thank you Ankita.. True, maybe fate does play a role, I have often heard this one statement – Not realizing our dreams which gets us closer to destiny. I am sometimes at loss to understand the complete objectivity of thoughts, it feels as though life at one point is in complete control and at the very same moment it is out of control. Perhaps that in itself is the beauty of it :)
Imagine a goat (or your favourite animal) tied to a peg with a short rope. Now, it can do as it pleases, but within the perimeter of the circle the tied rope can draw. Beyond that, it neither can do anything nor know much. Of course, if it decides to bite its leg within the “smaller pattern” and totally by free will, she is to blame. For the rest (read: larger pattern) it doesn’t matter anyway. :)
Thank you Sakshi, I think you have weaved it a lot more beautifully than the post did. The comment says it all, you can either choose to stay within the boundaries or chew them off. Clever :)
There are few things which are not in our control – birth n death, everything else is the result of our own past/current actions. Swami Vivekananda has explained it very well in karma yoga.
interpretation chennagide..:)
fate and believer both are mutually co-existence for a task to get completed
Dhanyavaadagalu Yashwanth :).. Thank you! Mutually co-existent, Now I am wishing I had used that word ;)
How much do you believe in fate? http://t.co/z0xgbqs9v6