Jawaharlal Nehru: 'Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.'

Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.

Life is like a game of cards. This profound quote by Jawaharlal Nehru captures the essence of the human experience, highlighting the interplay between determinism and free will. In its straightforward interpretation, Nehru suggests that the hand we are dealt in life, in other words, the circumstances and conditions we find ourselves in, is determined by external factors beyond our control. However, how we choose to navigate and respond to those circumstances is where our free will comes into play. This quote implores us to contemplate the delicate balance between fate and choice, and the importance of our actions in shaping our own destiny.While Nehru's statement provides a valuable perspective on the complexities of life, we can delve deeper into the subject by exploring an unexpected concept: existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, questions the nature of human existence and emphasizes the individual's freedom, responsibility, and subjective experience in an inherently meaningless world.Existentialism challenges the notion of determinism by presenting the idea that even when faced with a predetermined hand of cards in life, individuals still possess the ability to create meaning and forge their own path. This philosophical school of thought argues that human beings have the power to transcend their circumstances and exercise their free will by making choices and taking responsibility for the consequences of those choices.If we apply existentialist principles to Nehru's quote, we can view life as a game where the hand dealt represents the determinism of external circumstances, and the way we play the game is our free will. Existentialism suggests that while the hand may be predetermined, the choices we make within that framework ultimately define our personal journey.In this context, life becomes not merely a passive acceptance of what fate has bestowed upon us, but a dynamic interplay between the known and the unknown, the expected and the unpredictable. Each decision we make, big or small, shapes our trajectory and influences the unfolding of events. We may encounter hardship, loss, or unexpected challenges, but it is through our actions and choices that we can aspire to transcend them and actively shape our own destiny.Considering Nehru's quote alongside existentialism invites us to ponder the existential crises we face as individuals. It pushes us to question whether we are truly exercising our free will or succumbing to societal pressures, ingrained beliefs, and external influences. While we may never have complete control over the cards we are dealt, we can strive to be conscious of the choices we make and actively challenge the constraints placed upon us. In doing so, we emerge not as mere spectators but active participants in the game of life.Furthermore, the quote and its existentialist perspective remind us of the importance of resilience, adaptability, and creativity in navigating the ups and downs of existence. Just as in a game of cards, sometimes we are dealt a hand that seems unfavorable or challenging, but it is our ability to strategize, improvise, and make the most of the resources available to us that defines our character and determines our success.Ultimately, Jawaharlal Nehru's quote invites us to reflect on the power of choice within the framework of fate. It reminds us that while life may present us with predetermined circumstances, we possess the agency to shape our experiences and influence the outcomes. The journey of life, like a game of cards, can be unpredictable, demanding, and exhilarating. Embracing the interplay between determinism and free will, we can embrace the challenge to more deeply engage with our own existence, redefine our own narrative, and play the game of life as active, conscious participants.