CLOCKWORK

Does everything in life happen according to a predetermined plan? This question has been explored throughout history by philosophers and physicists alike. In the 17th century Sir Issac Newton formulated his laws of mechanics, which were used to explain things like planetary motion, machine design and even daily cause and effect; in terms of mathematical absolutes. Later it was proven by Albert Einstein that even though the universe functions mechanically, there are certain discrepancies and phenomenon which make it work in a less predictable manner. In the case of daily events, the influence of individual free will seems to be at odds with a ruling predestiny. Without individual choice, a predetermined plan would succeed undeterred, while the possibilities seem endless when individual choices are at play every moment.

The concept of predestiny is often thought of as being associated with divinity. An omniscient supreme being, supporting human free-will, would be aware of continuous changes while holding to a prescribed ideal. Looking at the problem statistically, forecasted models based on individual life histories and character traits could lead to ongoing predictions of human reactions. Billions of cause and effect relationships, projected against both the master plans and the forecasts of free choices, would yield appropriate dynamic courses.

Faith in the divine aspects of life nurtures a cooperative mechanism, whereby choices are made in congruence with purpose. Health, creativity and imagination then have a reciprocal benefit on successive interrelations. Ideal guiding principles in harmony with free will afford the best realization of a predetermined plan.