It’s one of life’s biggest questions: Does everything happen for a reason, or do we truly have free will? Philosophers, scientists, and spiritual leaders have debated this for centuries, and it’s a question that touches all of us whenever we go through change, heartbreak, or unexpected events.
Fate vs. Free Will: The Big Debate
- Determinism (Fate): Some believe life is predetermined — that every event, choice, and outcome was always going to happen. In this view, “everything happens for a reason” means your story is already written.
- Free Will: Others argue we shape our lives with every decision. While circumstances may be outside our control, our choices and actions create our path.
- A Middle Ground: Many people believe in both — that the universe gives us lessons or challenges for a reason, but how we respond to them is where free will shines through.
Why We Search for Meaning
When something painful or unexpected happens, telling ourselves “everything happens for a reason” can bring comfort. But often, the reason isn’t something cosmic — it’s the meaning we choose to attach afterward. The story we create helps us grow, heal, and move forward.
So, Do We Have Free Will?
Maybe the truth is this: life hands us circumstances, but free will lies in how we respond. That choice is always ours.
If you’re exploring questions like these — letting go of control, trusting the process, and finding peace in uncertainty — my book Let Yourself was written for you. It’s a guide to stepping out of resistance and into acceptance, showing you how to trust yourself even when life doesn’t go to plan.