Fate, Talent, and the Making of Character
Fatalism, innate talent, and character represent different yet interrelated aspects that influence a person’s life prospects.From the perspective of fatalism, as seen in the discussions presented in the source ( link txt), all events and processes are considered predetermined by a higher will. It states: "Allah – The One Who governs Creation, and therefore He repeats it. In Islam, fatalists were the mutakalim (as opposed to the Mu'tazilites)..." This belief can lead a person to perceive their life as externally predetermined, which in turn might diminish the drive for active change or self-improvement, as many circumstances seem inevitable and predestined.In contrast, innate talent is described as a gift from God—a gift that a person receives but is simultaneously obliged to actively manifest: "TALENT is a gift from God – and therefore it must be returned to God, multiplied through collaboration with Him. Hence, a person is not only the possessor of talent, but also its creator..." ( link txt) Thus, talent provides a unique potential and the opportunity for creative and spiritual development. It is noted that talent is not simply a natural ability; rather, it is that rare opportunity which demands self-sacrifice and dedication for its full realization.Character, on the other hand, is seen as something that, despite the variability of external expressions, remains innately unchanged, revealing itself in different forms at various stages of life: "Under the changing shell of one’s age, relationships, even knowledge and beliefs, lies, like a crab in its shell, a completely constant, always the same person. The forms in which character reveals itself change at different times and under various circumstances, but the character itself remains unchanged." ( link txt) Alongside this, another source emphasizes that character is not an innate quality: "A whole, moral character, i.e., unyielding self-mastery... is not inherent from birth. Our characters are developed... in the context of our surrounding life by ourselves." ( link txt) It is also important to differentiate between the innate temperament and the developed character. Temperament may be what one is born with, whereas character is the outcome of one’s efforts and the influence of the external world, as noted in the discussion: "Temperament is a natural given, character is a conquest and achievement; it presupposes freedom..." ( link txt)The interrelationship of these concepts is reflected as follows:1. If a person adheres to a fatalistic viewpoint, they might see their life as predetermined, which can often reduce the motivation for active development of both their talents and character. A limited perspective, conditioned by the belief in predetermination, may restrict the pursuit of self-improvement.2. Innate talent, as a gift, requires personal initiative for its realization. It gives an individual the opportunity to express their creative and spiritual potential, but only through acknowledgment and development can even seemingly predestined fate be altered.3. Character, although it exhibits a degree of internal consistency, is not something fixed from birth. It is formed through continuous self-dedication and life experience, enabling a person to actively influence their own destiny. Thus, even if some circumstances appear inevitable, the cultivation of character opens up avenues to overcome and change situations.In summary, even though fatalism sets the framework that defines the inevitability of certain life circumstances, the development of innate talent and the forging of a strong character empower a person to not merely submit to fate, but to actively shape their life trajectory—actualizing the potential granted by nature that requires continuous effort.Supporting citation(s):"Under the changing shell of one’s age, relationships, even knowledge and beliefs, lies, like a crab in its shell, a completely constant, always the same person. The forms in which character reveals itself change at different times and under various circumstances, but the character itself remains unchanged." (source: link txt)"TALENT is a gift from God – and therefore it must be returned to God, multiplied through collaboration with Him. Hence, a person is not only the possessor of talent, but also its creator..." (source: link txt)"Allah – The One Who governs Creation, and therefore He repeats it. In Islam, fatalists were the mutakalim (as opposed to the Mu'tazilites)..." (source: link txt)"A whole, moral character, i.e., unyielding self-mastery... is not inherent from birth. Our characters are developed... in the context of our surrounding life by ourselves." (source: link txt)