Sophie's World Reflection & Application

My thoughts on Sophie's World are that it's like a textbook with fiction spewed throughout. It offers a look into the history and workings of philosophy while also telling a interesting story. What struck me about the book is that there was a chapter on fate, which reminded me of two quotes on the subject.

"I hate the word “fate.”... If our lives are already set in stone by fate, then why are we even born? There are those born to wealthy families, those born to beautiful mothers, and those born into the middle of war or poverty. If that’s all caused by fate, then God is incredibly unfair and cruel."

"I love the word “fate”. Because, you know how they talk about “fated encounters”? A single encounter can completely change your life. Such special encounters are not just coincidences. They’re definitely fate. Of course, life is not all happy encounters. There are many painful, sad moments. It’s hard to accept that misfortunes beyond your control are fate. But this is what I think: sad and painful things definitely happen for a reason. Nothing in this world is pointless."

These two quotes make me wonder about Sophie's individual thoughts on fate itself? Although she is young I wonder, other than what we have read, what her thoughts on fate are? In the chapter she only expressed lament on other's views, not her own. Does she think fate is cruel? Is it comforting? Rather than only learning the history of philosophy like the way it is now, I would very much like to know more about Sophie's own views on the things she's learning, not just 'oh my gosh, I never thought about that before!' and move on. It annoys me that all she does is think about others more than about her own life. She's looking too much on the big picture when I would like it more if she focused on the individual. I hope that as we go forward Sophie will develop her own opinions on fate, life, and the like.

When we talked about fate and reality in class, it awakened a love for philosophy (and quantum physics) freshly. I've always thought about why I was alive, and that the one in the mirror, the person I see, isn't really me. I've always thought that the person people see is not always me, but rather a variation of myself. I've also loved learning about quantum physics in particular because it can sometimes take a philosophical turn (such as Schrödinger's cat, a theory which I love), talking about what life is, and the many theories regarding dimensions. Philosophy wise, I've always loved the word fate. Like the quote above, I think that if one believes in fate nothing can be truly wasted, while free will allows wastefulness. This makes me feel empty, imagining a scenario where I've failed and it means nothing in the long run. Fate makes me feel more at ease, makes me feel like I don't need to shoulder a burden alone, similar to those who believe in god. So, in that case, how can fate be bad or lazy if it is like believing in a god? Although I am still debating on the presence of god, I believe in fate and I don't consider that to be bad.