Rumi: 'You've come to know the fortunate and the inauspicious stars, but you don't know whether you yourself are fortunate or lucky.'
You've come to know the fortunate and the inauspicious stars, but you don't know whether you yourself are fortunate or lucky.
In the realm of profound wisdom and deep introspection, Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, offers us this thought-provoking quote: "You've come to know the fortunate and the inauspicious stars, but you don't know whether you yourself are fortunate or lucky." At first glance, this quote seems to emphasize the paradoxical nature of human perception and understanding. Rumi urges us to ponder whether we truly possess the ability to comprehend our own fortunes and luck, despite our seemingly adept recognition of external influences. However, this quote also hints at a broader philosophical concept, one that challenges conventional notions of luck and invites us to explore the fundamental nature of our existence.On the surface, Rumi's words highlight the human tendency to assess the external factors that shape our lives. We are often quick to attribute our successes or failures to the alignment of stars or the caprices of fate. We may diligently study astrology, analyzing our birth charts or horoscopes, hoping to gain insight into our fortunes based on the celestial arrangements. Yet, in this pursuit, we may overlook a critical question: are we fortunate or lucky by our own merit or through external forces beyond our control?To delve deeper into this inquiry, let us consider the unexpected philosophical concept of existential luck. Existential luck challenges the notion that luck is merely a matter of chance, instead suggesting that one's fortune is intricately tied to the choices they make and the responsibility they bear for those choices. In essence, existential luck argues that while external circumstances may play a role in shaping our lives, it is our actions and the manner in which we navigate those circumstances that ultimately determine our fortune.By introducing the idea of existential luck, we confront the intricate interplay between our own agency and the external forces at play. Rumi's quote confronts us with the possibility that our understanding of fortune and luck could be incomplete. Our knowledge of celestial bodies and their effects on our lives may be merely an illusion of control, providing a false sense of certainty and understanding. Perhaps, true fortune lies within us, not in the movements of the cosmos.The comparison between external forces and existential luck highlights the complex nature of our existence. While we may draw solace or explanations from the stars and their influence, Rumi reminds us to not lose sight of the significance of our own choices and actions. It is within our capacity to shape our lives, to mold our fortune through conscious decision-making and by embracing our individual agency.To go even further, we can interpret Rumi's quote as an invitation to transcend the dichotomy of fortunate and unfortunate altogether. If we detach ourselves from external influences and focus on our own growth and self-realization, the labels of "fortunate" or "lucky" become irrelevant. Rather than seeking validation or assurance from outside sources, we can forge our own path, unburdened by the fluctuating whims of fortune.In conclusion, Rumi's quote serves as both a thought-provoking reflection on our understanding of fortune and luck, and an invitation to explore the concept of existential luck. It challenges us to confront our assumptions about the influences that shape our lives and reminds us of the power of our own agency. By recognizing that the true nature of fortune lies within ourselves, we can transcend the fleeting perceptions of luck and embrace a more profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.