Determinism vs Randomness

These are two contradictory theories – theories which rule our life.

Determinism theory argues that whatever happens in our life – events and incidents – small or big – they are pre determined, that is, they are destined to happen. And that means the places one visits, the people with one associates and the achievements one make are decided in advance. Man simply acts. Thus, this doctrine portrays man as a passive force. It emphasizes that it is the nature or the supreme power and the man’s past deeds which determines what happens in life. And interestingly, it also advocates that whenever some events happen-good or bad, they send prior signals (omens). And that none of the events in a person’s life are meaningless, they are pre planned and executed. They are meant to teach something or suggest something. The one who picks the clues, gains.

Exact opposite is the theory of Randomness. It disputes the Determinism Theory and vindicates that events and incidents in a person’s life are purely random. If at all, something seems connected, it’s a sheer coincidence. There is nothing beyond; no hidden meanings and no indications of anything whatsoever. It says not to waste time looking for meanings in simple events; it is of no use. If we look for meanings in dogs barking, buses running, wind blowing, etc., a lifetime would not be enough to accumulate the meanings and their implications. These are just random and nothing beyond that. Events don’t imply or tell anything, until we attach them meanings and interpretations.

Event: Sir Isaac Newton saw an apple falling down and deduced the “Law of Gravity”

Determinism: There are so many people who see apple falling from trees. Nobody researched. Only Newton did. So, he was destined to show the world – the law of gravity.

Randomness: At random, an apple fell down. A random person saw it. That random person went on a research, so the law of gravity came up. If it was not Newton, it would have been somebody else.

Confused?! (I was!) If we go by the determinism theory, we feel discouraged. If nothing is in our hand, if we are just passive puppets, hmmm……, not digestible. Then what is the use of working so hard, if everything were programmed. That very thought takes away the appeal and enthrallment of life. Life ceases to be interesting.

If we go by random theory, doesn’t it suggest carelessness or a laid back approach to life? It says everything happens for nothing. If everything is random and unpredictable, is it not weird? It is scary to think that the world runs on randomness.

Shall we take a middle position? Yes! That’s how the world functions. If we go out on a sunny day without an umbrella and suddenly there is a downpour, there is no meaning to it, don’t try to seek one. It is random. If your favourite pen gets lost, don’t attach much of a meaning to it (like it is a bad omen or similar crazy meaning), apart from the fact that you are a bit careless and henceforth keep your things safe. However, if you have a dream constantly for some days, there is a meaning to it; it could be that you are disturbed or stressed; it could be even a solution to a long pending problem. Be open to them and seek out the meaning. If you keep getting the thought of flying, may be that’s what your heart wants, and try flying (of course, in planes or jets). If you get to meet a wise and interesting stranger, keep in touch with them, who knows, May be God wants to teach you something through that person!