Article March 26, 1984 Issue

Human inevitability—or divine purpose?

BARBARA FELDON SKALA

We've all heard about inevitability—how a certain course of action acquires a momentum, a life of its own; how something will happen or not happen because something else has happened or didn't happen.

For instance, we may think that we must "inevitably" go somewhere or do something or be somebody—or not go somewhere or do something or be somebody—because of the state of our health (bad or good), bank account (so much or not enough), years and credentials (so many or not enough). Or conversely, "human nature being what it is," with its greed, selfishness, stupidity, we may feel we will "inevitably" be deprived.

Now, while it is true that a combination of positive human factors can be helpful, in and of themselves they cannot possibly ensure our happiness and well-being. Why not? Because all material factors are susceptible to change, erosion, obsolescence. Then, what can we depend on?

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Inevitable leadings of Love—not fate