Do human beings possess power of will?
Are we destined to a fate? or
Are we masters of our own destiny?
Destined Fate:
Very intelligent people have said things like:
- “All things are subject to decay and when fate summons, monarchs must obey.” [John Dryden],
- “But blind to former as to future fate, what mortal knows his pre-existent state?” [Alexander Pope], and
- “Fate determines many things, no matter how we struggle.” [Otto Weininger].
Some people accept ‘their fate’ without really thinking much about it. Others think deeply on the matter and say it as their well-thought-out conclusions. Many people believe, at least to some degree, believe they have little influence over their future.
Self-Determination:
Very intelligent people have said things like:
- “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” [Marcus Aurelius],
- “Whatever you create in your life you must first create in your imagination.” [Tycho Photiou], and
- “Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice.” [William Jennings Bryan].
Some people believe what you can conceive and believe you can achieve1. Under the 'Law of Attraction', achievement in life is yours to be had...it is a matter of your power of will. This sort of thinking is a key facet of major religions. It is also the backbone of most leaders’ philosophies and approach to life.
What applies to life must apply to business, a subset of life.
And, in business we spend a lot of time trying to be the cause of future effects. We plan, set goals, set priorities, take predetermined actions, measure results, etc.
So...which is it...A or B?
A: Our destinies are pre-determined by Fate?
B: We possess power of will and we can use it to determine our destinies?
or is it...
C: Both A and B are correct [in which case wouldn't it be nice to understand which one applies when, where, how, etc]
Footnote:
- Napoleon Hill, 'Think and Grow Rich', (1937)