As we study William Shakespeare and read Romeo and Juliet in class, consider the following prompt: The concept of predestination is reflected in the work of Shakespeare. The lives of men and women are "mapped out in the stars", and attempts to transcend or disrupt this order, or chain of being, only lead to tragedy. Does belief in predestination exist in some form today? Do we subscribe to a similar or different philosophy? How does predestination relate to, or conflict with, the "American Dream"? How might you categorize the belief systems of our world today? Do you believe that your destiny is mapped out for you, or do you think that you control your own fate?
48 comments:
The thought of predestination is not very prevelant in the modern world. Some people may believe in it but as a whole it is not recognized as a large belief. The American Dream was an idea that anyone could come to America and make a future for themselves, disproving predestination. The people that came to America shaped their own future for themselves. I myself do not believe in predestination. I believe that I can shape my own future and that no one knows the future choices I will make before i make them or that tragedy is planned. Some people have disfortunate times in life but to me that is just what they are, disfortunate. Nothing says that they were to have that misfortune. Today some may say that religion has to do with predestination or the idea of 2012 with the myan calendar. For the most part, predestination is not a large part of society today.
Brad Driscoll
9/19/12
Class: F
Some form of predestination does exist in our world today. In William Shakespeare’s time predestination was associated with social statuses and the afterlife. If you were born as the king’s son you would end up being the king of the land after your father has died. If you were born to a peasant you would end up being that way for the rest of your life. In today’s world it works similar but not entirely the same as the past. If the president were to have a son or daughter he or she would have the option as running for president when they get old enough but is not destined to be because a new president gets elected every four years. Also, if a homeless man had a child that kid would be able to go to a public school and get an education. That education could make that kid a very successful person, and not homeless. There is always the option of following in your ancestors footsteps but is not necessarily destined to happen. With the afterlife most people thought that you were already chosen to go to heaven or hell. Nowadays most people believe that if you are good on earth god will except you into heaven. Even if you were to do something bad God would forgive you if your sin was not extremely bad.
The United States of America is known as a country where dreams come true, known as the “American Dream”. The “American Dream” is pretty much success. In America you have the option to get an education, have a good financial life, and live a happy and successful life. Predestination has little to do with the “American dream” unless you were to be born to an already rich and successful family. You would get a family inheritage, not have to worry about eating or paying the bills, and pretty much be all set for life. This could change though and the destiny you thought you had could be gone. You could lose it in something, like the stock market, or get a different education and not make as much money as your family did in the past. Also, like I stated in the past you could go from a homeless person to a very successful person from getting a public education. It is not destined for you to stay poor and have your kids be poor as well. Like I stated before as well, predestination with religious afterlife beliefs is not believed in anymore, you choose your own destiny for the afterlife.
I most definitely do not believe that my fate is mapped out for me, but do believe that I control my own fate. When my parents were growing up they were pretty poor but my dad more than my mom’s side of the family. My dad was the youngest of five, having three older brothers and an older sister. His parents divorced and it was really hard for his mother, my grandmother, to pay the bills and have food on the tables. This was the way it was until the five kids were able to get jobs and helped with bills and such. My mom grew up a little more fortunate then my dad, but still not much different at all. My mom’s parents divorced as well. My mom only had one younger brother but that didn’t make a huge difference because they stilled lived in an old apartment and was hard to pay the bills for that. Both of my parents did not go to college but ended up to be alright. We don’t have the most money but were not that poor. I think I definitely have the opportunity to change the long line of poorness in my family’s history. Right now I am already in all honors classes and am doing pretty good, so I could graduate from college and not have to struggle as much like my family in the past. I have the chance to change what my destiny would be because of the “American dream”.
I would say that people still believe in such a thing as predestination, although it might be uncommon to find. There are stories from certain places that involve the same idea. Such as a story in a town on a river in India there are large catfish that can eat people, however the cat fish are believed to be a portal to the afterlife. If eaten by that fish they are transported to the afterlife. If the fish are caught or killed; the people involved will have bad luck in the future. It would depend on the person whether or not they still fallow such a philosophy. For example many people would use such philosophy in love. The American dream states that one can leave poverty and rise to the top. Predestination conflicts from the American dream because it states the complete opposite, born poor always poor, born rich always rich. But we have also seen the rich lose everything. Personally I think that it depends on where you live. For example I believe that people in America are more pessimistic to the idea of the American dream, as foreigners are more optimistic of the idea of it. I think that my future is a blank canvas and I am the painter, and I am yet to find my inspiration of what I wish to paint. My future is unknown to all and I think it is the choices I make that determine my future.
By: Tristan Hynes
Views on destiny are much different than they were during Shakespeare's time. Back then, people had a less complex way of thinking, mostly on myths and legends in their lives to understand what was going on around them. Now we believe that our destinies are determined by our actions and what decisions we make. We believe that we all have free will, that we can go anywhere or do anything, as displayed in our belief in the American Dream, where no matter where you come from; you can be successful, with hard work and determination. Centuries ago they did not have those same values. They thought that if you were born a peasant, you were going to be a peasant no matter what, and if you were born to be a king, then that's your destiny, no arguing about it. I would describe our system of beliefs as more open minded or more progressive and liberal. Those are the past and present beliefs on pre-destination.
M belief is that I control my own destiny because I can do whatever I want to no matter what anyone says. I make my own choices and that maps out my own destiny, not some pre-planned map for my life. That is my opinion on the idea of pre-destination.
In Romeo and Juliet, The two lovers fates were sealed as enimies. In real time predestination is still believed in. People who grew up poor or uneducated usually did not make it far in life. Most people still believe in it. We believe in a similar philosophy. We go by money or power. How predestination strings together with the "American Dream" is if you immigrated with a poor skill set, the dream would not be as well as it would if you had a better proffesion. How people believe in predestination today is if one person is more intelligent that another, the first would be more successful. Another way people believe is if one person has more money than another, the first will have more things and better lifestyle than the other. In my opinion, i do not believe in predestination, because any intellectual can fall victim to pressure and fail while one less intelligent will succeed and prosper. I believe that anyone has a chance at making, no matter where you stand.
There is a lot to say about the predestination of the American dream. Also there is a lot to say about whether I think I choose my own fate or not because I could just go on and on about that. I think its a fun subject to talk about just because theres so much to say. I think some of the beliefs people have today are just crazy and that they are so wrong. For example people that think the world is going to end, I think there wrong and I dont think the world is going to end for a long time.
If I was to categorize the beliefs that people have today there would be crazy ones and intelligent ones. Some people believe that theres going to be flying cars one day which I think is reasonable considering how far our technology has come along.
The other thing is people think that there fate is already determined from when you were born which I do not think at all. I think you can be whatever you want and I think your fate is determined by how hard you work to have the life that you want. I think that people that want to live the American dream can live it if they work hard enough to get there.
Also I think your personality is what you make of it and how your raised. But your fate is definitely what you make of it I think. I also think that there is some belief in predestination today. For example like why were here today and how everything started. Some people think they know why there here and some people don't know why. I do believe that the world and everything started for a reason. That's basically what I think about Predestination and the American Dream.
IN society today, the idea of predestination is not believed in. In fact, most people believe the exact opposite. We are raised to believe that through hard work and honesty, we can accomplish almost any goal. We are not limited by what we were born into. You could be born into utter poverty, but through hard work, you can improve your life and move up in the world. Some people believe in a very loose form of predestination, such as continuing a family business or following in our parents footsteps, but this is by their own choice. In Shakespeare's time, if you were born a peasant, you would be a peasant for the rest of your life. There was no way to move up. I feel as though nothing is decided for my as far as my future is concerned. I am still not sure what I want to do, but whatever I choose, my only request is that I am happy doing it.
-Jared Terwilliger
Part 1
Yes, the belief in predestination exists in some form today. For example, in some religions like Christianity it is said that even before you are born your life has already been planned out for you by God. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declared the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). Jeremiah 29:11 is a very famous verse that many Christians believe and follow, and since many people in this world are Christian predestination is a very important concept to people. Also predestination exists in daily and monthly horoscopes. Horoscopes tell you how your day, week, or month is going to be like even before you have actually experienced it. Many people truly believe that horoscopes are one hundred percent accurate, and they actually believe that’s how their life is going to be like for that day, week, or month. So the belief in predestination does exist in some form today.
Most people tend to subscribe to a similar philosophy, mainly because many people believe in a God or a figure of higher power that has already planned out the future of their worshipers. For example Lutherans, Protestants, Muslims, Baptists, and a variety of other religions all believe that their lives are predestined. Also, many people believe in the philosophy of predestination not only because of their religion, but also because many people like to believe that they don’t have control over their lives. Some people find comfort in knowing that every aspect of their life has already been mapped out. To some people, controlling and planning out their own lives can be looked at as overwhelming and scary, because there’s some level of uncertainty in controlling your own life. Also, some people like the satisfaction of knowing that if their life isn’t going the way they want it to they can just say that their life wasn’t meant to be that way, and that they will eventually find their true purpose in life since it has already been decided for them.
Part 2
Predestination very much relates to the “American Dream”. Predestination is the belief that your entire life has already been planned out for you. The American Dream is the belief that when you come to America from a foreign country you’ll be able to find a job, buy a house, have a family and be able to support them and just to live a life of peace and happiness. Both of these beliefs relate because these beliefs comfort people, because with predestination people are comforted by the fact that some higher figure or god has already planned out their life, and that everything will eventually work out and they’ll find the path they were destined for. With the American Dream people are comforted by the fact that they will be able to leave their country (which for example many be poverty stricken, have limited freedoms, fighting in a war, etc.) and come to a place with many more opportunities. People are also comforted by the fact that they can start over and they can get a job, earn money, have or support and family, and live a happier and peaceful life. Predestination can also relate to the American Dream because the American Dream is seen by many people living in other countries that once you come to America your life is basically planned out for you. You’re going to get a job, earn money, buy a house and a car, raise a family and enjoy life and all the opportunities that are given to you.
I believe that my destiny has already been mapped out for me. I mainly believe that my destiny has been mapped out for me because of my religious beliefs. My religion believes that even before you are born your life has been decided and mapped out for you. Sometimes I believe that I control my fate but I soon remember that I don’t, because everything that I do now affects me in the future. Although, everything in my future and everything in my life has already been mapped out for me. So it’s impossible to control my life when it has already been decided. If my religious beliefs were different I would probably believe that I can control my fate, but since I believe in the things that I do the only reasonable answer for me is that I believe that my destiny has already been mapped out for me.
I do believe in predestination. i believe that predestination is something that just happens. its something that sometimes we have to choose and make decisions, but in the end it all happens for a reason. Ive always believed that everything happens for a reason, weather its good or bad.
I do believe in predestination. I believe that things happen for a reason, weather its good or bad. I think that in some cases you have to choose or decide for yourself but the outcome was always supposed to happen.
The thought of predestination is more of aspirtual sense today i think. because people say god has a plan for you even before you are born. romeo and juliet are destin to be together but the families they belong to wont allow them to be together in happiness. this conflicts the american dream because if some one is destin to be homeless then you wont have a job or home to fulfill the american dream. in todays world you need facts to prove that you are right you cant say that some thing happened and just make people believe them. i believe that i can control some parts of my life but if i make the wrong desicions it will affect my future.
-zac zelinski
9-21-12 period G
Colin Mello
Class: G
Yes predestination exists in modern life. Many people use the phrase “everything happens for a reason” which means that something was destine to occur the way it did with no other outcome. We do subscribe to a similar philosophy like in some religions people are said to be determined if they’re going to heaven or hell.
Predestination can conflict with the “American Dream”. The “American Dream” is just being successful in life like have a home, a job and family. Predestination can conflict with this because predestination can decide whether you are rich, middle class or poor. Whether you are middle class or rich you could be the “American Dream”.
We can categorize the belief systems in the world by what region of the world the belief comes from. For example Judaism originated from the Middle East so there could be beliefs that concentrate around the Middle East in Judaism. Also there was a huge amount of Christians in Italy so there could be a lot of beliefs that concentrates around the Italy area of Europe. That is how I would categorize the belief systems in the world.
I don’t believe that your life is determined from when you are born. I believe this because people have turned their life around. For example if someone was addicted to drugs or alcohol they can go to rehab. Or if someone is depressed they can go to a therapist or get medicine from a doctor. Those are some reasons that I don’t believe that your life is determined from birth.
Colin Mello
Class: G
Yes predestination exists in modern life. Many people use the phrase “everything happens for a reason” which means that something was destine to occur the way it did with no other outcome. We do subscribe to a similar philosophy like in some religions people are said to be determined if they’re going to heaven or hell.
Predestination can conflict with the “American Dream”. The “American Dream” is just being successful in life like have a home, a job and family. Predestination can conflict with this because predestination can decide whether you are rich, middle class or poor. Whether you are middle class or rich you could be the “American Dream”.
We can categorize the belief systems in the world by what region of the world the belief comes from. For example Judaism originated from the Middle East so there could be beliefs that concentrate around the Middle East in Judaism. Also there was a huge amount of Christians in Italy so there could be a lot of beliefs that concentrates around the Italy area of Europe. That is how I would categorize the belief systems in the world.
I don’t believe that your life is determined from when you are born. I believe this because people have turned their life around. For example if someone was addicted to drugs or alcohol they can go to rehab. Or if someone is depressed they can go to a therapist or get medicine from a doctor. Those are some reasons that I don’t believe that your life is determined from birth.
Gwen Saccocia
September 21, 2012
Period F
Some people in the 21st century believe in predestination, but many people do not. Predestination is still alive in our time, like in church. People believe that God has set out their lives for them, and whatever happens, happens. So certainly some people do still believe that, but less people do because we have facts and science to back up reasons why things happen. Humans always want to feel safe, and secure. So let’s say that if someone was going through a rough time; if their home was wrecked by a natural disaster or a loved one died, etc. They will think that this is just a little bump in life and that God will smooth things over soon. They will put their faith in their beliefs and hope that things will change for the better. It gives them a sense that everything will be okay in the end, and their God has a plan for them, and this was all part of the plan.
Predestination conflicts with our nation’s idea of the American Dream. The American Dream says that no matter what back round or social class you come from, with hard work you can succeed at anything you want to. The idea of predestination states that your fate has been decided since you were born. Back in the early 1900’s immigrants were coming over to the United States for more freedoms. They had heard all of the amazing stories about people living the American Dream, making more than enough money, and having a nice clothes and a home. The immigrants really had nothing to lose; they were already in a horrible situation, so America could not be much worse. They thought that with determination and being a good person, good things would come to them and they would strike gold in America. True, this did happen for some people, but not for others. Many benevolent people were working as hard as they possibly could, but they were barely scraping by in American society.
At this point, it looks that people are pretty divided on believing in predestination or not. We live in a much different world than the people in the 1900’s did. People are still coming over to live the ‘American Dream’, but they are smarting up and realizing that America has many problems of its own. We can try as hard as we can, but money also stands in the way. They may be smart enough to get into Harvard but cannot afford it and end up going to a lower academic school. Also, people who have gone through rough times can believe in predestination and know this was in their plan.
I could take both sides on whether I believe that my destiny has already been chosen or if I control my own fate. I go to church and believe in God and such, so I do partially believe that God does have a plan for me. He knows where I am going and how the rest of my life will end up. But I believe that I control my own life. My decisions determine my life. For instance since I was too lazy to study for my science quiz, I got a 78. That made me really mad and now that I look back on it I probably should have read the pages instead of skimming them; but that was my decision to be irresponsible. Now, I have to really study for my upcoming test because I want to raise my grade. These are my choices that are going to impact my grade, and in the bigger picture, my life. So in this case, I feel that God knew that I was going to get a C on the quiz, but he knows what’s coming next (hopefully an A) and beyond that. In the long run, I decided what happens to me in later life, God just already knows the choices I am going to choose and where they will take me.
Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, constantly involves the concept of predestination. In present time do we still agree with this theory? Is predestination a part of the “American Dream”? Do we as a whole believe that our lives are “mapped out in the stars”, and that our fate has already been decided?
Today predestination is still alive and well, and it has a large role in our society. Predestination is another name for destiny or fate meaning it indicates what lies ahead in your future. In present day I believe predestination mainly exists in religion. Throughout the world there are various different religions and within them are several different types of beliefs. Some religions believe there is only one god while others state there are multiple. Buddhism practices to worship their god the Buddha while Christians believe Christ is their god. There are Quakers, Baptists, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and so on that practice different beliefs. Are they right or wrong? Who’s to say? But one thing is certain, every religion believes that if you obey the laws of your god(s) you will die knowing you essentially did the right thing by abiding by the rules. In most cases for religion abiding by the rules means positive results: heaven, reincarnation, etc. Although according to religion if you do not follow god’s orders especially being an atheist when you die you will be severely punished and die a terrible death. You will go to hell. Religion is an example of predestination because it maps out your future. If you follow god’s plan you await peace and if you don’t you await agony. In religion’s perspective if you refuse to follow the rules than your stars will not align. Overall religion is one way predestination is still involved in the present day.
Predestination clearly relates to the “American Dream” for significant reasons. The “American Dream” is like a spectacular image that foreigner’s picture in their heads. They have the idea that they can move somewhere where they can have a job and raise and support a family. This all revolves around predestination because the phrase “American Dream” alone is predestination itself. To foreigners the “American Dream” is their fate. They don’t have a fallback, they simply have the will and courage to seek forth and accomplish their destiny, the “American Dream”.
Personally I think I am the one that controls my own fate, but I don’t believe that applies to everyone. I believe your fate rests in your hands. If you do well in school do to your hard work and diligence you will most likely get accepted to a decent college. This may lead you to a successful job do to your strong work ethic. This is an example that supports the fact that you control your own fate. You were the one that decided to work hard, and you were the one to strive and achieve your goals. This cannot be part of your mapped out destiny because you were the individual that made it happen, and you were the one who chose that path. On the other hand, those born into prestigious families (ex. Romeo and Juliet) often already have their destiny planned out due to their status. For example most people today are able to marry freely even when they are born into a wealthy family. Although they don’t necessarily have a choice of choosing their profession meaning they are forced to be a princess, or a prince, and so on. Fate can go either way depending on the situation you are placed in upon your birth.
Predestination still exists in our society today. Some believe that our fate has already been determined upon our birth while others disagree. Predestination may relate to our so called “American Dream”, but does it truly map out or destiny?
Predestination does exist in our world today. In the American dream itself. The American dream is a said thing in which is believed all people may have. This is in some ways like predestination because it’s giving everyone a specific thing to follow. Even if predestination is all about everyone having their own future the American dream is similar in the way that it is specific thing you go by. Yet the American dream also does not say you have a specific future it gives you a basis for a future and then u build from there where as predestination is completely mapped out.
Today I would describe the system we used as mixed. I would only categorize it that way because of America’s complexity. We are the mixing pot so everybody can think of it how they want to. Yet if talking of the American dream then it still is mixed a I’ve already said it has a base of predestination but after that it’s yours to create. Predestination also exists in fortune tellers who seem to be able to tell what will happen that day or through your life. Even though this is loosely derived from predestination it still seemingly has connections.
I think that my future is what I make of it but I also believe that certain things are destined to be. I believe that the things that I decide on like schools or the things that I’m asked to do if I say yes or no and so on like that. On the other hand things that are part of predestination are things that may happen. For example love/relationships if you break apart or don’t ever love I believe it was destined to be like that unless your determined enough to find it. So in the end I believe in predestination to some degree.
Predestination does exist in our world today. In the American dream itself. The American dream is a said thing in which is believed all people may have. This is in some ways like predestination because it’s giving everyone a specific thing to follow. Even if predestination is all about everyone having their own future the American dream is similar in the way that it is specific thing you go by. Yet the American dream also does not say you have a specific future it gives you a basis for a future and then u build from there where as predestination is completely mapped out.
Today I would describe the system we used as mixed. I would only categorize it that way because of America’s complexity. We are the mixing pot so everybody can think of it how they want to. Yet if talking of the American dream then it still is mixed a I’ve already said it has a base of predestination but after that it’s yours to create. Predestination also exists in fortune tellers who seem to be able to tell what will happen that day or through your life. Even though this is loosely derived from predestination it still seemingly has connections.
I think that my future is what I make of it but I also believe that certain things are destined to be. I believe that the things that I decide on like schools or the things that I’m asked to do if I say yes or no and so on like that. On the other hand things that are part of predestination are things that may happen. For example love/relationships if you break apart or don’t ever love I believe it was destined to be like that unless your determined enough to find it. So in the end I believe in predestination to some degree.
Yes I do believe that some form of predestination exists in modern day life. People often say that certain things happen for a specific reason. They also think that their lives are mapped out for them, and that they will live the "American Dream". Predestination ties in with the American Dream because we all dream of having a good education, job, house, and a family. Some cultures have marriage and careers chosen for them while other cultures such as ours get to choose our own fate. Since we are also a free country no one can really tell anyone what to do or who to marry. This is why I also believe that I control my own fate. I get to chose what I want to do with my life. I feel that the only time you really dont get to choose your own fate is if something traumatic comes up. Such as an injury. The injury can delay life plans or even cause you to change some of the choices you have made for your life. Also if your fate was predestined why would we change our minds about things and change the direction we are headed in if we already had everything mapped out. Even though there are some people that believe in predestination, I think that the majority of people including myself believe in choosing our own fate.
Predestination is in our life now. For example Katy perrys parents had a plan for her life even before she was born. But she she broke through that and Became her own person. I think as people of the 21st centry we are told to follow are own dreams and become are own person. The American dream shows people that same philosophy. Having a life were your independent and can provide for yourself. In the world today the beliefs you can have any job you want as long as you keep your mind focused. I believe as long as you work hard you can play hard. Just be kind about it. So yes you can make your own fate and yes you can have your dreams come true! -Sam Rodier
Predestination is in our life now. For example Katy perrys parents had a plan for her life even before she was born. But she she broke through that and Became her own person. I think as people of the 21st centry we are told to follow are own dreams and become are own person. The American dream shows people that same philosophy. Having a life were your independent and can provide for yourself. In the world today the beliefs you can have any job you want! With alittle hard work. "work hard, play hard and be kind!" with that philosophy you can do anything. And that's we're the idea that you create your own fate plays in. Because yes you do create your own fate! Your acting now reflect your life in 20 years maybe! -Sam Rodier CLASS G
Predestination is in our life now. For example Katy perrys parents had a plan for her life even before she was born. But she she broke through that and Became her own person. I think as people of the 21st centry we are told to follow are own dreams and become are own person. The American dream shows people that same philosophy. Having a life were your independent and can provide for yourself. In the world today the beliefs you can have any job you want! With alittle hard work. "work hard, play hard and be kind!" with that philosophy you can do anything. And that's we're the idea that you create your own fate plays in. Because yes you do create your own fate! Your acting now reflect your life in 20 years maybe!
Predestination is in our life now. For example Katy perrys parents had a plan for her life even before she was born. But she she broke through that and Became her own person. I think as people of the 21st centry we are told to follow are own dreams and become are own person. The American dream shows people that same philosophy. Having a life were your independent and can provide for yourself. In the world today the beliefs you can have any job you want! With alittle hard work. "work hard, play hard and be kind!" with that philosophy you can do anything. And that's we're the idea that you create your own fate plays in. Because yes you do create your own fate! Your acting now reflect your life in 20 years maybe! -Sam Rodier
Predestination is in our life now. For example Katy perrys parents had a plan for her life even before she was born. But she she broke through that and Became her own person. I think as people of the 21st centry we are told to follow are own dreams and become are own person. The American dream shows people that same philosophy. Having a life were your independent and can provide for yourself. In the world today the beliefs you can have any job you want! With alittle hard work. "work hard, play hard and be kind!" with that philosophy you can do anything. And that's we're the idea that you create your own fate plays in. Because yes you do create your own fate! Your acting now reflect your life in 20 years maybe!
Predestination is in our life now. For example Katy perrys parents had a plan for her life even before she was born. But she she broke through that and Became her own person. I think as people of the 21st centry we are told to follow are own dreams and become are own person. The American dream shows people that same philosophy. Having a life were your independent and can provide for yourself. In the world today the beliefs you can have any job you want! With alittle hard work. "work hard, play hard and be kind!" with that philosophy you can do anything. And that's we're the idea that you create your own fate plays in. Because yes you do create your own fate! Your acting now reflect your life in 20 years maybe!
Predestination is in our life now. For example Katy perrys parents had a plan for her life even before she was born. But she she broke through that and Became her own person. I think as people of the 21st centry we are told to follow are own dreams and become are own person. The American dream shows people that same philosophy. Having a life were your independent and can provide for yourself. In the world today the beliefs you can have any job you want! With alittle hard work. "work hard, play hard and be kind!" with that philosophy you can do anything. And that's we're the idea that you create your own fate plays in. Because yes you do create your own fate! Your acting now reflect your life in 20 years maybe!
Lizzie Hanson
9/21/12
Class G
America allows us to create our destiny and live our dream. I believe there is no scientific formula to predict our future. We may be persuaded by parents, but ultimately we have a choice in the way we live our lives. I believe God gave us free will to choose the life we want to live. Like Adam and Eve choose to eat the apple after being intisted by the devil. It's your choice for your life to be living in failure, dishonestly, shame, hatred, and violence. That is why God gave Adam and Eve a choice to live a life in paradise. Also, if every action is predestined to take place, then there is no choice. If God predestined everything, then there is no use in praying for your family and friends. If the life we live in now is predestined, then you are saying there is no way it can be changed. It is a man's choice to accept or reject God's path. I believe that we have our own choice and dream in family, friends, love, an education, a job, a house, and we have our own choice on the way we move in life. And, the ability to live our own dreams is what America is based on.
Lacey Bandecchi
class: G
Predestination does exist in some way today. But today is also very different. For example If someone was born into a poor family they can grow up to be successful and wealthy. Predestination relates to the "american dream", because if you were born in a wealthy family you can go to great schools and get a good school education with all of the supplies they need. But if you were born into a poor family you can get an okay education with very little supplies.
The American dream is all about people getting things you need for when you grow up such as some type of education. Whether its a great education or an okay education. I do belive my destiny is mapped out for me. I belive everything happens for a reason, even if its a good or bad thing.
Lacey Bandecchi
class: G
Predestination does exist in some way today. But today is also very different. For example If someone was born into a poor family they can grow up to be successful and wealthy. Predestination relates to the "american dream", because if you were born in a wealthy family you can go to great schools and get a good school education with all of the supplies they need. But if you were born into a poor family you can get an okay education with very little supplies.
The American dream is all about people getting things you need for when you grow up such as some type of education. Whether its a great education or an okay education. I do belive my destiny is mapped out for me. I belive everything happens for a reason, even if its a good or bad thing.
Lacey Bandecchi
class: G
Predestination does exist in some way today. But today is also very different. For example If someone was born into a poor family they can grow up to be successful and wealthy. Predestination relates to the "american dream", because if you were born in a wealthy family you can go to great schools and get a good school education with all of the supplies they need. But if you were born into a poor family you can get an okay education with very little supplies.
The American dream is all about people getting things you need for when you grow up such as some type of education. Whether its a great education or an okay education. I do belive my destiny is mapped out for me. I belive everything happens for a reason, even if its a good or bad thing.
Lacey Bandecchi
class: G
Predestination does exist in some way today. But today is also very different. For example If someone was born into a poor family they can grow up to be successful and wealthy. Predestination relates to the "american dream", because if you were born in a wealthy family you can go to great schools and get a good school education with all of the supplies they need. But if you were born into a poor family you can get an okay education with very little supplies.
Lacey Bandecchi
class: G
Predestination does exist in some way today. But today is also very different. For example If someone was born into a poor family they can grow up to be successful and wealthy. Predestination relates to the "american dream", because if you were born in a wealthy family you can go to great schools and get a good school education with all of the supplies they need. But if you were born into a poor family you can get an okay education with very little supplies.
The American dream is all about people getting things you need for when you grow up such as some type of education. Whether its a great education or an okay education. I do belive my destiny is mapped out for me. I belive everything happens for a reason, even if its a good or bad thing.
Lacey Bandecchi
class: G
Predestination does exist in some way today. But today is also very different. For example If someone was born into a poor family they can grow up to be successful and wealthy. Predestination relates to the "american dream", because if you were born in a wealthy family you can go to great schools and get a good school education with all of the supplies they need. But if you were born into a poor family you can get an okay education with very little supplies.
The American dream is all about people getting things you need for when you grow up such as some type of education. Whether its a great education or an okay education. I do belive my destiny is mapped out for me. I belive everything happens for a reason, even if its a good or bad thing.
Kathleen Romano
Class; G
There's a lot going on today during the predestination. Some people believe it is going on now and some people don't believe at all. Well I do. And you might of heard everyone saying "everything happens for a reason." It's true most things that do happen are because of a reason. It wouldn't randomly just happen. Also another thing is people say it that if you work hard for something you will accomplish that goal. Absolutely true your doing what you want so your working hard towards that goal. And then theres those people in very little. But, remember this is by there own choice.
Kathleen Romano
Class; G
There's a lot going on today during the predestination. Some people believe it is going on now and some people don't believe at all. Well I do. And you might of heard everyone saying "everything happens for a reason." It's true most things that do happen are because of a reason. It wouldn't randomly just happen. Also another thing is people say it that if you work hard for something you will accomplish that goal. Absolutely true your doing what you want so your working hard towards that goal. And then theres those people in very little. But, remember this is by there own choice.
In some form, belief in predestination does exist today. It's different than it was when Shakespeare existed, because now it isn't taken as seriously as it used to be. For example, a parent could raise their kid to live in a specific way or try and plan their life for them but ultimately it's up to their child. In the past, you were born into a certain life with no way out. Predestination in some way conflicts with the American Dream, which is to grow up and be successful. In the American Dream, you don't have to be born into a life with money or fame, you can make a life for yourself. Nobody can choose your life for you, everyone is entitled to do what they want with their life. Today our belief system has little to do with predestination, and more to do with where our own choices take us in life. I believe that we control our own fate. We map out our own destiny by the things that we choose to do, and those decisions make us who we are today.
The belief of predestination still exists in the modern world but it’s not as strong as it was in the past. One form of predestination in the modern world is religion. Though some are against the thought of religion, others are strong believers in religion. In some or most religions they talk about eternal life, heaven, etc. The belief of predestination relates to the “American Dream” because they both subscribe the same idea that if you do certain things you will live a fulfilled or “perfect” life. And they both tell you that if you work hard enough you can do anything. Some might describe the belief systems in our world today as superstitious. There are things today like hauntings and the stretched belief of 2012. I, in some ways, believe that my destiny is mapped out for me and I also believe everything happens for a reason. But even so, I believe that I can make decisions for myself, on who I want to be and how I want to live my life.
Predestination exists in modern life now. However, it is a different philosophy than in Shakespeare’s novel. Some people believe some things happen for a reason (that’s predestination). If a boy lost his football game then some people would say everything happens for a reason. Predestination conflicts with the “American Dream” because your American Dream could be to be famous one day, but what happens is that predestination comes in conflict with your big dreams because you’re already destined either to be famous or to not be famous. In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Capulet’s and Montague’s had a power struggle over sharing Verona. In that time, predestination was ideal that people marry into the same classes. For example, the upper class marries others in the upper class, middle class with middle class and so on. It was not acceptable to marry out of your class. As time progressed, things changed. In the 1950’s predestination was different for men and women. For men, it was their responsibility to have a high paying job that would take care of the finances for their wife and children. Men had more power than women. It was even acceptable to abuse women. For women, it was their responsibility to have children, take care of those children, and responsibilities of taking care of the household. Now in 2012, predestination has changed tremendously. Women have equal power and more rights. It is against the law to abuse women. Men and women have the same predestination. It is imperative for both to go to college and get an education. Today, predestination relates with the American dream. In older times, it conflicted with the American dream. In society today, money is an issue. To succeed in your destiny you need money, and the American dream is the way to get there. In conclusion, predestination still exists in modern life, even though it has since changed astoundingly.
Alex Carignan
September 20, 2012
Period: G
In the Elizabethan ages people believed in predestination that means before destiny. Still today many people do believed in predestination, but not as much as they did back then. Predestination conflicts with the “American Dream” in many ways. First, if you were destined to be a farmer you would not be equal to someone who is a lawyer; lawyers make more money than a farmer. This also conflicts with the American Dream because if you are meant to be in a certain profession you cannot move up in the world you would have to stay there, even if you were as smart as or smarter than someone higher than you. If two people were not mapped out in the stars to be lovers and they still wanted to be because they loved each other so much they were called “star crossed lovers”. In the Elizabethan age people believed that the order of how people were or how much respect they should get went like; God, then Kings and Queens, then peasants, and then animals.
Many people in our time agree and disagree with destiny. Some people agree and think that your fate is “mapped out in the stars”. On the other hand, people do disagree, along with me, and think that you control your own fate. I think you control your own fate because nothing can be set out for you in that length of time. That if course is my own opinion and others may have their own opinion about it. In conclusion I think that anyone should do whatever they please, and there should be no such thing as “star crossed lovers”.
Alex Carignan
September 20, 2012
Period: G
In the Elizabethan ages people believed in predestination that means before destiny. Still today many people do believed in predestination, but not as much as they did back then. Predestination conflicts with the “American Dream” in many ways. First, if you were destined to be a farmer you would not be equal to someone who is a lawyer; lawyers make more money than a farmer. This also conflicts with the American Dream because if you are meant to be in a certain profession you cannot move up in the world you would have to stay there, even if you were as smart as or smarter than someone higher than you. If two people were not mapped out in the stars to be lovers and they still wanted to be because they loved each other so much they were called “star crossed lovers”. In the Elizabethan age people believed that the order of how people were or how much respect they should get went like; God, then Kings and Queens, then peasants, and then animals.
Many people in our time agree and disagree with destiny. Some people agree and think that your fate is “mapped out in the stars”. On the other hand, people do disagree, along with me, and think that you control your own fate. I think you control your own fate because nothing can be set out for you in that length of time. That if course is my own opinion and others may have their own opinion about it. In conclusion I think that anyone should do whatever they please, and there should be no such thing as “star crossed lovers”.
I think that predestination does exist in some form today. It mostly exists in other countries. In America we would like to think that it doesn't exist at all but I think it does because if your parents are wealthy then you will grow up to be wealthy because they can help you get the stuff you need to become wealthy. Then again in the United States we say that it is a start to a new life and even if you were poor in where ever you were before you can move up here depending on how hard you work for it. The “American Dream” is moving up in life and becoming higher and higher in social status by working hard. The harder you work the more money you get so hard work can make you move up in social classes but with predestination even if you're a hard worker it still wont move you up. The “American Dream” cant happen with predestination because predestination means if you are poor and have nothing you can't become rich and powerful or if you are rich and powerful you cannot become poor and worthless because disrupting the chain of being will just end in tragedy . As in if your parents were the king and queen then right when you were born you were someday destined to be the king. But if you were born into a peasant family predestination says you can never be more than a peasant. I think I control my own fate. I am my own person and my hard work will contribute to me becoming successful. But if I don't do anything and expect things to be handed to me on a silver platter I will get no where in life and not have a job and make no money for myself. So I think you are the only person in present day America that controls your own fate.
I think that predestination does exist in some form today. It mostly exists in other countries. In America we would like to think that it doesn't exist at all but I think it does because if your parents are wealthy then you will grow up to be wealthy because they can help you get the stuff you need to become wealthy. Then again in the United States we say that it is a start to a new life and even if you were poor in where ever you were before you can move up here depending on how hard you work for it. The “American Dream” is moving up in life and becoming higher and higher in social status by working hard. The harder you work the more money you get so hard work can make you move up in social classes but with predestination even if you're a hard worker it still wont move you up. The “American Dream” cant happen with predestination because predestination means if you are poor and have nothing you can't become rich and powerful or if you are rich and powerful you cannot become poor and worthless because disrupting the chain of being will just end in tragedy . As in if your parents were the king and queen then right when you were born you were someday destined to be the king. But if you were born into a peasant family predestination says you can never be more than a peasant. I think I control my own fate. I am my own person and my hard work will contribute to me becoming successful. But if I don't do anything and expect things to be handed to me on a silver platter I will get no where in life and not have a job and make no money for myself. So I think you are the only person in present day America that controls your own fate.
Predestination in the modern world can be dependent on many different things. One of these things is the influence of money on a persons life. People believe if you are born into a wealthy family you are destined to succeed. But to todays standards this is not always the case. They still do have to do well in school like everyone else and if they don't do well in school they will also not succeed in life. It is true money can influence where they go to school to receive a greater education, but they still need to do well there to endure the benefits. Another example of a modern case of predestination, which is not true, are the roles of men and women in society. It used to be understood that the woman would stay home and clean the house, cook and take care of the children while the man of the house was at his job. But in todays day and age women are allowed to get a job along with men and vote and all of the other things they were not allowed to do before. As one can see the idea of predestination is not apparent in todays society and people are free to shape their lives they way they want and not the way society wants them to.
I do believe that predestination is still in some form in our world today. For example like Romeo and Juliet where there parents chose who they'd marry. There are people today,where their parents or other people sometimes decide their future or what they shall do or become in their future. Therefore, yes it does accure when someone decides to go against what they are told to do, or have their life style set for them, changed there may or may not be a consequence.
As for the American dream, there might be a situation where parents expect their children to go to school graduate and then go to college of parents choice. After to live live in a house and start a family so on and so forth. But not all would want their college and life style chosen. It could be that the child would want to go to a college of their choice, or get married and start a family. More or less that the parents would chose their childrens paths so they could survive in a comfortable life, and not have to worry or stuggle. In conclusion, yes it is believed that predestination does still exist in out time period today. When parents chose their childrens future for them or "American Dream". Where your future is already chosen for you and if you change what you would do that was chosen, you could cause something bad.
-Kyra Bryant
class:G
In my eyes predestination might be a big factor in life. Some may believe in it, others may think its irrelevant to life. Alot of people may go about life making reckless decisions in life. Why? because they believe fate has some type of effect on their lives. I for one thinkits mind blowing that some people believe in such a thing. The people who believed in the Amaerican Dream gets all my respect. These Men and Women, children even came to America in search of a better presant and future. They took the chances needed to take to try to make somthing better of themselves. Even though they may have been risky ideas, they were willing to try because they felt fate had not controll over them. I for one completely agree. In my opinion predestination is just an excuse to preform poorly. I feel fate has absolutly nothing to do with my furture or anyone elses for that matter. I believe that if you really want a greater and brighter future, you'll shoot for gold trying to succeed that goal. I Intended on making a better future for myself. I refuse to believe that my future is set. Fate does not controll me, I controll my fate.
Predestination is a very common belief around the world. I however do not think it is true. I think this because everyone at one point in their life has to make a hard choice on something. There no way the choice has already been mapped out. As far as the American dream goes, I do think it goes along with predestination. Its always the same image. A four person family with a dog and a nice house. Obviously not everyone lives a life like that. Some people are wealthier then others. And some people are also struggling. That is what I think about predestination.
Kasara Maloney
I do believe in the concept of Predestination, but through the eyes of God. I believe that God is aware of what we are going to do in our life but still allows us to experience it and make our own decisions. Our whole life, in my eyes is mapped out by God with many different branches allowing us to make decisions and thus explaining why there are tough decisions to make in life. For Example say God has a large map of each individual's life with a diagram of a tree on it. The tree has all of the branches (Choices)we might make in life and what the consequences of them will be set and planned for each one. As for the American dream, I believe it is obtainable through hard work but God will in the end decide whether you will achieve it or not.
Post a Comment