ARE YOU THE MASTER OF YOUR OWN FATE?

Rafting on Jamaica's Rio Grande

I could have titled this post, 'are you the master of your own destiny', but I have decided not to do so, as my current operational philosophy is based on the premis that the destiny of all living souls or creatures is to return to oblivion, by way of death. This is where our fate will eventually lead us.

Sometime ago, I wrote a post warning of the danger of being deceived by the 'deceivers', whether they are selling religion, physical goods, or 'get rich quick' formulas. If we are to believe - which is what all 'deceivers' want their 'targets' to do - then all we have to do is to convince ourselves of the 'scientific' or mathematical nature of their 'formulas', and then apply it rigorously and consistently, and, hey presto, as the saying goes, we will be transformed into becoming  the Trumps, Soroses and Bill Gates of this world.

But, I ask myself, is it really as straightforward as that, and, if it is, then why is it that, for every one Trump and Soros, there are millions of poor and impoverished people eking out a living on this  earth which is both blessed and cursed in probably equal measures?  Of course, it could be the case that it is only the 'chosen few' who are fated to be leaders and owners of massive wealth, whereas it is the fate of the masses to help them to accumulate such wealth, either or both as consumers and the providers of the labour to do so. It might be the case, eg, that the 'deceivers' need millions of gullible consumers to buy into the 'dream of being rich', which they are selling, if they are to accumulate the wealth they have or desire.

Tram heading towards Birmingham's Grand Central Station

If this bears some semblance to the mythical 'American Dream' - which, in truth, is really a reality for at least a minority of people; the elites, mainly - then it is not a coincidence. Arguably, it is the 'American Dream' which has given birth to many a 'get rich quick' formulas. The belief that we can all become rich. Belief in  god, religion, miracles, and the lure of loads of money, is the mindset which enables the 'deceivers' to make unquestioning converts to their quasi religious 'doctrines.'

For argument sake, I could concede that it is possible for, let us say, all adults to become dollar, or sterling or Euro millionaires.  However, if that were to happen, it would result in the value of their millions being worthless, or greatly devalued, as it could not be matched against physical assets; the price of which would become greatly increased.

Such basic logic, however, do not deter the 'deceivers', and for them, the formula is still a very simple one. You decide what you want to become, ie, the person you want to become, you think and convince yourself that you will become that person, and then put into practice the methodology of your chosen 'guru deceiver', and you eventually become that person, irrespective of what else is happening around you or in the world in general. Simple!

Now, there is nothing wrong with people having very strong self-belief, self-confidence and being 'success-oriented', but to give the impression or message that such success is merely the outcome of strong self-belief, commitment, motivation, and the 'guru's' formula, and that, if you fail to achieve it, it is because you did  something wrong, is, in my opinion, intellectually dishonest and deceitful.  It suggest a belief in magic or god, which, in at least some respect, is one and the same thing. This, along with the arrogance and complete lack of humility which many of these 'deceivers' project, is something I find very repugnant.

Church at Llanberis

So, going back to question 'are you the master of your own fate', I am led to the answer it this way.  You can only be the master of your own fate up to a point, and for each person, people and nation, the level of control or mastery will vary, as it is influenced by factors over which the person, people or nation has only limited or no control.

As I have previously stated, it is a very perilous thing for anybody to commit themselves to the 'doctrines' of the 'deceivers', without rigorously evaluating and seeking independent confirmation of the veracity of the product they are selling you, and their prescription for its use.

Live  and enjoy your life and endeavour to achieve your goals through your hard work, prudently deployed, and influenced by others whose lives are of relevance to your aspirations.

Homes of the more well-to-do families clinging to the hills in Kingston, Jamaica

OWOHROD