fatalism
What does "fatalism" mean?
Fatalism is the philosophical belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable. It carries the mental image of a person watching a river flow, accepting that they cannot change the current or the destination, regardless of their own efforts or desires. In everyday usage, it often describes an attitude of passive resignation. When someone acts fatalistic, they have essentially "given up" on influencing the outcome of a situation, believing that destiny has already made the decision for them. It is frequently used to describe a sense of helplessness or detachment in the face of misfortune.
"fatalism" in conversation
Discussing a failing project
I think we should try one more marketing push to save the launch.
I think we should try one more marketing push to save the launch.
Why bother? It's clearly doomed. That's just the fatalism talking, I know, but I'm tired of fighting it.
Why bother? It's clearly doomed. That's just the fatalism talking, I know, but I'm tired of fighting it.
Shows how fatalism is often used to justify giving up.
Reflecting on bad luck
Everything went wrong today, from the flat tire to the lost keys.
Everything went wrong today, from the flat tire to the lost keys.
It's a streak of bad luck. Don't fall into fatalism; you can still salvage the evening if you just reset your mindset.
It's a streak of bad luck. Don't fall into fatalism; you can still salvage the evening if you just reset your mindset.
Highlights the distinction between bad luck and the fatalistic mindset.
"fatalism" in a sentence
His fatalism prevented him from applying for the job.
His fatalism prevented him from applying for the job.
The war was marked by a grim fatalism among the soldiers in the trenches.
The war was marked by a grim fatalism among the soldiers in the trenches.
She rejected the fatalism of her upbringing, choosing instead to believe that individuals have the power to shape their own futures.
She rejected the fatalism of her upbringing, choosing instead to believe that individuals have the power to shape their own futures.
