Random or destined?

I’m not big on the idea of destiny. I think what happens in our lives is a result of the paths we choose.

I think its a mixture of everything.. Only you can control your destiny, yet some things/events happen for a reason, and can be out of our control. Also- I’m religious and praying and rituals help me out a lot too. Sorry that this is so confusing! I couldnt just pick one, they all seem to balance each other out In a way!

@TheHaight You said it better! I was trying to think of a way to say what you did.

My perception is that everyone builds their own destiny, small things we do come back later to haunt us or to lift us up. It just seems the more good we do for others, the more good that comes back to us in the long run. I’ve noticed that people that cheat their way through life usually end up with nothing. People that give of themselves (especially at a young age) end up better people, with wealth inside and many times outside as well.

It is what it is (I wouldn’t choose the word “random”), and no, it’s not pre-determined, except, philosophically, by itself.

i know it’s not an answer really, but there is no answer. Both are possible. If I had to guess I’d say maybe it’s a mix. I don’t think anyone is presdestined to be a crackpot and die in a dumpster. I’d say that is a choice of sorts. If a person is predestined to that then it really changes any ideas of the afterlife, if there is one.

Some events may act as cardinal fulcrums that lead to inevitable paths that will be taken.. even though there seems to be a duality in this too, a dual path (or multiple) is presented at the resolution of a singular problematic. I believe in duality: Fate and Choice. We are free, but entangled (not imprisoned), Infinite yet mortal.
Yes, I hold that there are both written passages that determine ‘how’, but influences from ourselves determine ‘Why’..or ‘where’ and of course ‘when’.
The ‘what’ is modified by a perhaps greater source of influence: community, shared thought, imposition, interpersonal influence, love, hate, research, curiosity…

blablabla

Life is a series of random obstacles that with your choice of how to handle them will lead you to your destiny. Destiny is controllable. The events that result from trying to get there (not the obstacles) are predetermined.