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Showing posts with the label determinism

We chose our life path?

Swayamvaram (On Own Will, Malayalam; 1972) Story, Direction: Adoor Gopalakrishnan When things happen in our lives, were they predetermined, or did they happen because of our actions, something we decided to choose out of our free will?  This story and debutante director, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, 1972, says that our fate is all our doing. We cannot blame anybody for anything. Everything is the result of our own will. Sita (Saradha) and Vishwam (Madhu) are both graduates. They probably are eloping from their families and decide to start life anew in another town. Both have big plans. Sita wants to spend happy times with her beau, and Vishwam is excited about his manuscript, hoping to be a fabulous writer. Soon reality sinks in. His story does not excite the publishers when employment is low and appreciating arts is the last thing on people's minds.  Their savings get smaller, and they progressively move from their hotel to the cheaper housing area and, finally, a squatter home. Vis...

It ain't over till the fat lady sings!

Game Over (2019) It is always easier to follow the weather-beaten road. After the imperfections, the potholes, the unevenness may have been corrected, or the path may carry a warning sign. Unfortunately, in this era where individualism and self-expression takes a paramount role in human development, the onus in handling curveballs in life is placed squarely on the individual's shoulders. Previously, one can look back, follow the path of least resistance, have faith and move forward with confidence with the Divine Forces as the guardian angels. Failure is accepted gracefully as if it was meant to be anyway. Modern men (and women) do not subscribe to such determinism. Intellect has given free will to fight whatever eventualities. It also gave them the ability to think of the possible adverse outcome and the fear of the unknown. Not all minds are equipped to handle such stresses. Some crumble. Memory is sometimes a curse, especially of a traumatic one.  Life is not...

Future, Who writes it? You or the stars?

The birthplace of Jane and Benjamin Franklin. Jane would live here for most of her life while Benjamin would leave to pursue his apprenticeship. (brainpickings.org) Heard a podcast recently on one of the American founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin. As is well known, he emerged from a humble beginning, of a son of a poor candle and soap maker, to propel himself away from the clutches of poverty, to pull himself up with his boots strap even though he could not afford boots. Benjamin, a polymath, later became a printer, a master inventor, a diplomat, established the mail service and had a hand in drafting the Declaration of Independence. He was self-taught. Together with his favourite sister, Jenny (out of 16 other siblings), they used to teach each other. Then, Benjamin left his home to work in a printing press run by his brother by a twist of fate. One thing led to another, and he left the job. He later managed to establish himself as a printer. In his printing compa...