Dear Readers,
For long, I have tried to argue that your success in life solely depends on your hard work, with of course, prayers thrown in. One of my bosses is a firm believer in destiny as are some other friends. I have fought with them, many a time on this issue.
However, lately, I do feel that some things are destined. You cannot do what you want to do. You have to tread on other paths. At this point in life, it is better, to smile and walk on the new path. Who knows, you may like it. Guess, I have begun to believe a wee bit in destiny now.
One of my favourite books, down the years, has been "Through the Looking Glass" by Lewis Carroll.
Do you remember the dialog between the Cheshire Cat and Alice?
Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to
Alice: I don't much care where.
Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
Alice: …so long as I get somewhere.
Cheshire Cat: Oh, you're sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.
Is the Cheshire Cat trying to say that the destination which Alice wanted to reach was predetermined? It was in her destiny and she would reach it, no matter what?
Someset Maugham, another favourite author of mine, talks of pretty much the same thing in his book: Of human bondage.
Meanwhile the photograph of this beautiful path was taken in Lalbaugh Gardens, Bangalore during spring (maybe February). I miss Lalbaugh Gardens and haven't managed to photograph my favourite spots in Mumbai, as yet. I will some day, hopefully soon.
Warm regards,
Lubna
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7 comments:
Hi Lubna,
A thought proving post! A belief in Destiny is difficult to accept by a rational mind. I tend to believe in this quote - “I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.” - Douglas Adams
The picture is beautiful as always!
Thanks and regards,
Dilip
Keep smiling, Lubna : )
Take care.
Regards,
Geetha
Beautiful photo.
This is what I think, I believe we pick our path before we come into a body, we have a lot of freedom within that path, but somethings are important for us to learn, so in that way, yes destiny is real, but also free will.
Love to you.
xoxo
Hi Lubna!
I liked what you wrote. I also discussed this issue with my friends several times. I strongly believe that we should see the dreams and make efforts to realize them...finally we achieve something..either exact realization of the dream or some other thing which also equally better: )
Take Care,
Shayan
Hmm..I believe we create our own destiny but only if we have complete control over ourselves = mentally, physically, financially and spiritually. Else, we are victim to someone else's plans.
As someone in IBM said, You better discipline yourself or the world will do it for you.
I love that Lewis Carroll book. So many insights pop up there.
Hi Lubna,
Nice, thought provoking article. I too have struggled with the question at different stages of my life. I now am of the belief that certain things are predestined in one's life, but at the same time, one has to work under the assumption that he/she is shaping his/her own destiny ENTIRELY.
As for the quote from "Alice in Wonderland", I tend to interpret it somewhat differently...I think the Cheshire cat is trying to say that if we are not sure of our destination, which path to take won't matter. Any path we take would lead us somewhere, and since we are not particular, it won't matter where. Hope that makes sense :-)
Regards
Ravi
p.s: We haven't still met! :-)
Hi Lubna,
Your post on destiny resonated deeply with me. I too enjoy Alice and her interaction with various characters. Very recently had re-read the dialogue you have included.
Maugham is one of my favorite authors.
cheerz,
Alaka
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