In today's society, there is a popular belief that everything in the world is predetermined by some mysterious force.
Albert Einstein once expressed his dissatisfaction with the randomness and probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, and his famous remark "God does not roll dice" expressed his preference for a deterministic cosmology, that is, his belief that the universe should be completely deterministic, rather than based on random probabilistic processes.
Deterministic cosmology is a philosophical view that asserts that all events in the universe are determined by prior causality, that is, all things, including human actions, thoughts, and decisions, are carried out according to certain laws and causal chains, and there is no real randomness or free will.
From a deterministic perspective, the universe is like a giant mechanical device, and the motion and interaction of every particle follows the laws of physics. These laws are considered to be universally valid and capable of pinpointing the occurrence of future events. Therefore, if we can fully understand all the current states and laws of operation of the universe, we will be able to theoretically accurately ** all future developments.
The concept of determinism has had a profound impact on the history of science. For example, in Newtonian mechanics, the state of motion of an object can be calculated precisely from Newton's laws of motion, which seems to support the deterministic view. However, with the development of quantum mechanics, scientists have discovered that the behavior of particles in the microscopic world is random and uncertain, which challenges the traditional notion of determinism.
Despite the introduction of probability and randomness in quantum mechanics, some scientists and philosophers still adhere to some form of determinism, such as compatibilism, which attempts to reconcile determinism with the notion of free will, arguing that even in a deterministic universe, individuals can still have some degree of free choice, as long as those choices are consistent with their character, circumstances, and prior causal conditions.
There are also great differences in the understanding and cognition of human destiny of free will, which has always been a central issue in philosophy, religion and culture. The two main points of view – belief in "destiny" and the creation of life – constitute this eternal inner philosophical dialogue.
On the one hand, the idea of believing in "destiny" is deeply rooted in many cultures and belief systems. This view asserts that the trajectory and destiny of human life are predetermined by supernatural forces or the laws of the universe. For those who believe in destiny, every event in life, whether joy or pain, is a providential arrangement designed to shape their personality, elevate their spirit, or teach them wisdom in life.
In the real world, people believe that fate is predestined, or that they are arranged by some mysterious force, and there may be several considerations.
Life experiences and environmental impacts: An individual's life experiences and social environment may shape their perception of their destiny. If a person has experienced many uncontrollable or ** events in their life, such as major setbacks, illnesses, or the loss of loved ones, they may be more inclined to think that fate is irresistible.
Cultural beliefs and traditional beliefs: Different cultures and traditions have different understandings of destiny. In some cultures, fate is seen as determined by gods, cosmic forces, or other supernatural factors, and these beliefs may affect people's perception of self-agency.
Psychological defense mechanisms: Faced with the uncertainty of life, some people may choose to believe that fate is predestined as a psychological defense mechanism. This belief can help them alleviate their fear and anxiety about the unknown, providing an explanation and comfort for life's difficulties and challenges.
Social inequality and structural constraints: In populations with disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions or facing significant inequalities, the efforts of individuals may not be sufficient to change their living conditions. This may make them feel that their fate is determined by external forces and not that they are in control.
Cognitive biases and principles of psychologyThere are some inherent biases in human cognition, such as "basic attribution errors" (the tendency to attribute the behavior of others to intrinsic traits and one's own behavior to the external environment) and the "fate effect" (the tendency to think that foreshadowing events are predestined after the fact). These biases can influence people's perception of fate.
While there are many people who believe that fate is predestined, there are also many who believe that fate is in their own hands or created. This view emphasizes the free will and agency of the individual, believing that through effort, decision-making, and action, one's life trajectory can be changed. This perception is often associated with self-improvement, positive psychology, and motivational culture.
People who hold this view are usually highly enterprising and innovative. They believe that the future is not predetermined, but shaped by their choices and actions. This belief gives them the motivation to change the status quo, overcome difficulties, and pursue their dreams, allowing them to show resilience and endless possibilities in life.
Thus, individuals can still have some degree of freedom of choice, as long as those choices are consistent with their personality, circumstances, and prior causal conditions.
So, should we believe in the "Mandate of Heaven", or choose to create a life?Actually, the two are not exactly opposites. In real life, many people may hold both ideas and find a balance in them.
On the one hand, we can accept and respect those forces and unknowns in life that are beyond our control, which helps us to maintain humility and reverence for life. On the other hand, we can also actively use our free will and abilities to shape our lives and pursue our dreams and goals.
In a way, believing in the "Mandate of Heaven" and creating a human life can be seen as a complementary relationship. The former reminds us to be open and accepting about life, while the latter motivates us to take action and strive for progress. Combined, the two can help us better understand and cope with the complexities and uncertainties of life, while also allowing us to find deeper meaning and satisfaction in life.
In general, whether you believe in "destiny" or choose to create life, the key is how to find the direction that is most meaningful and valuable to you in these concepts. Everyone has the right to shape their own view of destiny based on their own experiences, beliefs, and values, but most importantly, we should value every moment in our lives, whether it is from a destiny or our own creation. Free will