People’s behavior is largely determined by forces not of their own making.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.
For most people, life is about making decisions and acting upon those decisions. The decisions we make may have profound effects on our personal lives, but we are all subject to the forces outside of our control. For example, a person may attempt to avoid running into traffic, but be struck by a car. The choices we make also affect those around us. When a woman wears an immodest dress, she might attract an unwanted male’s attention, which could have a negative impact on her personal and professional life. However, we rarely think of how our actions affect the world around us
The argument that people make their behavior largely determined by forces not of their own making reflects a common misconception. People do make choices, and some of those choices do have profound effects on their lives. For example, if a person decides to go to college, that choice affects not only his or her future, but the life of his or her family. The decision to give up one’s job as a mechanic and go into software engineering will have far-reaching ramifications for that person. If that person lives alone, he or she will have to give up the financial support provided by that job. If a married person decides to give up his or her job, the spouse will have to find a second source of income. The family will have to adjust to the new financial situation. A person who decides to stay at home to take care of the children will miss out on opportunities for career advancement or promotion. As I have already mentioned, different choices can have equally profound effects on others. For example, if a mother decides to become a teacher, she will likely give up her career as a stay-at-home mom, which will affect her husband’s career. She will also likely have to give up the opportunity to earn a higher salary should she decide to become a school principal
Ultimately, people are responsible for their own actions. The assertion that people make their behavior largely determined by forces not of their own making is a harmless truism that lacks any real value.