Fate vs. Destiny, not Destinie

[CharleyH]

Writing a story and having difficulty wrapping my mind around the difference between fate and destiny. Are they the same thing, or do they imply different concepts?

For whatever reason, I can't stop thinking that something which is fated implies something that is tragic.

Any thoughts on the two words and their concepts?

 

[Guest]

I do think destiny and fate, in essence, are very similar, but they do imply different things.

It's hard to explain what I believe to be the crucial differences, but I'll try! All of this, of course, depends on whether or not one believes in fate and destiny in the first place.

Fate is something that is determined and we are unable to alter. Two lovers meeting, through odd circumstances, then realising how perfect they are for each other, can be put down to fate. As can befalling a bad occurrence, "It was fated to happen." So, yes, I agree with you, to a certain extent that fate can be taken to mean something tragic, but not always.

Destiny, on the other hand, is usually a positive thing. It's usually used in the context of, "It was his/her destiny to achieve great things." I.e., it is something that ones whole life could lead toward. We are destined to end up as such and such, or at such and such place.

The two are inextricably linked, but they have different connotations.

I hope that makes some kind of sense!

Lou

 

[destinie21]

Fate is inevitable destiny however is irresistable. Destiny is also a preconcived notion while fate is an irrevocable end.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Writing a story and having difficulty wrapping my mind around the difference between fate and destiny. Are they the same thing, or do they imply different concepts?

For whatever reason, I can't stop thinking that something which is fated implies something that is tragic.

Any thoughts on the two words and their concepts?

Destiny is usually applied to something that is larger than life, it can be larger than life good or bad, Tragic or heroic or even comic. But always with destiny it seems the character presented with their destiny must make a choice.

Fate is more synonamous with doom. You cannot escape your fate.

When King Henery was killed by accidnet at a tourney it would be said it was his destiny to die in combat, even if it was mock.

The guy who shoveled out the stalls might also have died the same day, but he was fated to be a nobody and die ignominiously.

It could be argued that destiny is the rich man's fate

-Colly

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Fate is inevitable destiny however is irresistable. Destiny is also a preconcived notion while fate is an irrevocable end.

Destine also has a fine ass



-Colly

 

[stray_girl]

Here's my take.

Fate is the force that shapes one's destiny. Fate is also used as the outcome or final result of one's destiny. Destiny, on the other hand, is the predetermined course of events beyond one's control. To makes things even more muddled, destiny is also used to describe the power or agency thought to predetermine events. These words seem rather interchangable to me.

Both words are derived from Latin. In Greek and Roman mythology, the Fates were the three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who controlled human destiny.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Main Entry: des·ti·ny
Pronunciation: 'des-t&-nE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -nies
Etymology: Middle English destinee, from Middle French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner
1 : something to which a person or thing is destined : FORTUNE
2 : a predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency
synonym see FATE


Main Entry: 1fate
Pronunciation: 'fAt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin fatum, literally, what has been spoken, from neuter of fatus, past participle of fari to speak -- more at BAN
1 : the principle or determining cause or will by which things in general are believed to come to be as they are or events to happen as they do : DESTINY
2 a : an inevitable and often adverse outcome, condition, or end b : DISASTER; especially : DEATH
3 a : final outcome b : the expected result of normal development <prospective fate of embryonic cells>
4 plural, capitalized : the three goddesses who determine the course of human life in classical mythology
synonyms FATE, DESTINY, LOT, PORTION, DOOM mean a predetermined state or end. FATE implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome <the fate of the submarine is unknown>. DESTINY implies something foreordained and often suggests a great or noble course or end <the country's destiny to be a model of liberty to the world>. LOT and PORTION imply a distribution by fate or destiny, LOT suggesting blind chance <it was her lot to die childless>, PORTION implying the apportioning of good and evil <remorse was his daily portion>. DOOM distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate <if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain>.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

EX....

It is not my destiny to have money or a means of support, thus Fate has seen to it that I shall die impoverished due to the fuckhead banks and computer systems that run this world.

Sorry, bad day.

 

[CharleyH]

EX....

It is not my destiny to have money or a means of support, thus Fate has seen to it that I shall die impoverished due to the fuckhead banks and computer systems that run this world.

Sorry, bad day.

Hm, good example. LOL. Have a kiss

I see someone lost their way? Welcome Stray_girl, noticed you twice today, thought I'd say hi.

Has anyone written a story about fate or destiny? (Not talking about Renza, that's a given)

 

[Guest]

Hm, good example. LOL. Have a kiss

I see someone lost their way? Welcome Stray_girl, noticed you twice today, thought I'd say hi.

Has anyone written a story about fate or destiny? (Not talking about Renza, that's a given)

Yeah, I have, in a roundabout way. My story for the zodiac girls chain was pretty dark and heavy on the fate/destiny theme.

It's a short read, if you're interested: Zodiac Girls Ch. 12: Sagittarius, Sadie

Lou

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Sorry C, didn't mean to rant in your thread.

 

[CharleyH]

Thanks Lou, will check out.

Abs, baby . . . have a kiss

 

[ABSTRUSE]

Abs, baby . . . have a kiss

Thanks C, it really is a good topic, I just had a momentary lapse of judgement.


I've done a lot of thinking on fate, I normally believe in it, but I've been pondering as if I've erred in thinking, but then I realize I also believe in Kharma.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

bump

 

[ABSTRUSE]

bump

that was fun so I did it again.