Some folks believe that the entire future of the universe is predestined in every detail. Therefore, we do not really have free will even though we may think that we do. All of our apparent choices are really no choice at all, so in one sense we aren’t responsible for our actions.

The other extreme end of the belief spectrum is that there is no fate or destiny. In this view the universe is chaotic, based on chance, and we really do have free will. Our choices matter and we are fully responsible for them.

There are all sorts of nuances in between and all sorts of different workings out of the implications of any particular set of beliefs about this.

Again, if you really want to be well informed, read the philosophers and the theologians. A search on Google for “destiny and free will” is a good place to start.

If they do exist, then that leaves me wondering what that might leave that has any importance at all. If I’m fated to starve to death, then there’s no point in eating breakfast. If I’m fated to be rich no matter what I do, then there’s no reason to get out of bed today, as Success is going to attack me in my home if I don’t go to work.

If fate and destiny control our lives, then I could only suppose that the Supreme Being is having a great laugh while we strive to accomplish things, while he has it all worked out in advance no matter what we do.

I forget where this is from, but someone once compared life to playing cards. You’re delt a hand, and you can’t change what you have, but how you play them counts, too.

Fate is a word that we commonly use to excuse our own lack of control…

Destiny is a word we use to describe what is inexplicable…