Discussion of Whether Our Destiny is Predetermined

Introduction

Some people believe their destinies have already been determined. In fact, people can control what happens in their lives as every decision is in their control. Destiny, which is fate, is the events that will happen in a person’s life. Of course, people’s opinions, such as what people think about others and what people think about others’ work, are not in our control. However, most of the situations happening in people’s lives can be controlled by themselves since they create their own paths. In Outliers, it is suggested that destiny is not predetermined as individuals can work hard to succeed in their field. In Into the Wild, the author illustrates that people can actually control their decisions by providing examples of the wild actions Chris McCandless took in his life. As evident in Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, the text that most convincingly answers the question: How much of what happens in our lives do we actually control, is Outliers because there are several studies conducted by researchers showing that people can control their destinies.

Outliers: A Scientific Perspective

Outliers is the most convincing text since it includes a significant amount of scientific research validating its claims. Every task requires a significant amount of practice to be mastered. “Researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours” (Gladwell, 2008). In other words, for example, if anyone practices a musical instrument or engages in sports for ten thousand hours, they will likely master that field. Because of this, people can actually control whether they will be successful or not in the future by engaging in extensive practice. “Nor they can find any ‘grinds’, people who worked harder than everyone else, yet didn’t have what it takes to break the top ranks” (Gladwell, 2008). This proves that people can reach the top if they work harder than everyone else. This is convincing because it is supported by studies and trials. Hence, everything that happens in people’s lives is within their control as they can prepare for it.

Into the Wild: The Power of Personal Choice

Another text, Into the Wild, also strongly addresses the question of how much of what happens in our lives we actually control. In the text, Chris McCandless made numerous wild decisions that shocked everyone. “He would shortly donate all the money in his college fund to OXFAM America, a charity dedicated to fighting hunger” (Krakauer, 1996). Chris donated all of his money even though his family did not expect he would do that. This is significant as it underscores the idea that no one can manipulate others’ decisions but themselves. Chris also went away for several months without a plan. “He’d loaded all his belongings into his little car and headed west without an itinerary” (Krakauer, 1996). Thus, people can actually do whatever they want. As a result, Into the Wild answers the question by providing examples of what he has done in his life. Clearly, this text is convincing in answering the prompt question as it reveals the fact that people are in control of their destinies.

Conclusion

After analyzing Outliers and Into the Wild, the text that most convincingly answers the question of how much of what happens in our lives we actually control is Outliers, as there are multiple studies conducted by experts that prove everyone can make their future better by working hard for a long time. People can master a field by focusing on it for ten thousand hours. According to Into the Wild, everything that happens in people’s lives happens for a reason, and people are in control of it. Everyone is able to create their own paths by making decisions differently from anyone else. Overall, Outliers most convincingly answers the prompt question since it proves that destiny is in control of a person’s hands with scientifically based evidence. Start changing small habits today and achieve something big!

References

Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown and Company.

Krakauer, J. (1996). Into the Wild. Villard.