Fate and choice, these are both present, yet, neither is independently conscious; but dependant on its host, or must affect its host. So what makes these two different? Is it the fantastical approach of fate being a predestined choice made for you, occasionally known as prophetic actions, or is fate merely the long-term impact of a choice? Choice is a portion of free will which is liberally exercised in all matters, and manners. Choices seem to be the deeper of the two, as there are good, bad, evil, and righteous choices, whereas fate is simply, fate, an unaffected influence upon life. There is no good fate as, apparently, fate is heartless, and some might also say, soulless; which would imply there is a degree of soul in choice. Does this show that choice is a human trait, and exhibits our characteristics through good and bad? And is fate therefore truly a choice sent by the powers that be?

            Choice, which affects all manners large, and small, is simply a trait which we are all granted equally, and all abuse equally. It is even exhibits by heroes, the epic such as Beowulf in his decisions to help defeat Grendal(leave his country), and Gawain in his decision to defend his king by making the choice to repeatedly fight Lancelot in Le’ morte D’arthur “I warn you that if ever I recover I shall challenge you again.” This could be considered a “bad” choice, bad being downright idiotic, suicidal, and in this day and age, therapy-worthy; the adventurous would name it a heroic choice, and this group reclines in the therapy chairs frequently. But it is a choice never the less. Fate on the other hand seems much aloof of normal human activities. Fate seems to strike at predetermined times, and cause massive impact upon its target even through such unsuspected sources as the man who nudged you out of the way last week, yeah, he saved you from that thief who was going to knife you for the 13 cents in your pocket, life and living rocks don’t it! But fate never allows for a choice. Once the path is set, it does not divert. Whereas choices allow for this diversion, it only affects the here and now, until a new choice presents itself.  Fate it appears is an enigmatic and altogether indescribable force, whether it is a force of nature or force of god is as yet indeterminable.

            No one can say for certain what impact fate and choice have, and had, on humanity, yet know it is present and I am certain one name for this impact is “the butterfly effect”. Fate may control all aspects of life for all we know. Yet the existence of choice denies this fate based dictatorship of life. What impact do you believe is had upon you by those forces, and how much of life is choice, and what events are masterminded by fate?