Why do people often adopt a fatalistic mentality?

[xJeremyx]

This is part of the build-up to my MyTake on the Loci of Control.

Do you agree that fate cannot be avoided, superiors ultimately determine your path, or that you can turn yourself into whoever you want to, with enough effort?

[dynamicyandere]

I believe that things aren’t so black and white.


I think there are some things that cannot be avoided such as what parents you are born with.


But, much of our destiny is within our control. If someone puts 100% of their time, attention, and energy into changing their life… That can make a HUGE difference in their trajectory in say 10 or 20 years of consistent effort.


But it’s so easy to just give up and say fate determines everything. It’s the easy route and requires zero effort. People like easy.


It’s also a way to avoid responsibility. If their life is out of their own control. Whatever happens is not their responsibility. Since, how can they be responsible for what’s outside of their control?

[xJeremyx]

Very true. Which is why I adopt an internal locus of control. Don't like where I am now, get myself out instead of wallowing in self pity and grief.

[dynamicyandere]

That’s a great mentality to have and thinking like that will really take you far in life. 💯

[xJeremyx]

But there are things out of our control, and we have to accept them. Still gotta work on what we can though.

[dynamicyandere]

100% It’s like life will deal us a randomized hand, and we just need to play that hand the best that we can. 💪

[dovendyret]

I belief in neither.

In theory, everyone can become what they want but realistically - that is not the case, when we live in such a complex world. There are genetic factors, environmental, cultural - the need for expert knowledge. Those that are already behind - are just falling more and more behind and the world blames it on them, they can just work harder, be better etc.

[xJeremyx]

Therefore to be a balanced person, there has got to be a mix of these approaches and mindsets. Like, trying to improve yourself as much as possible while being able to accept that things sometimes do happen and will happen, and sometimes we just have our own limitations and thats completely ok.

[dovendyret]

I absolutely agree but at the same time I know that not everyone will get there and that is not due to lack of will. People fall into those mindsets and approaches based on their experiences & what they encounter in their lives. We're simply creatures of our past experience & everyone does the best they can, sadly sometimes the best - is just not good and can even be harmful to themselves or/and others.

[xJeremyx]

And sometimes people are just too tired or legitimately done to put in effort anymore.

力不从心. There may be a desire and will but insufficient capability to pursue it.