Introduction: The Question That Keeps Us Up at Night
Imagine this as you lie under the stars you cannot help but ask oneself, "Since the universe already knows the end of everything, including wars, love stories, and what I will be eating for breakfast tomorrow, then does it really matter what I do?" This question has haunted philosophers for centuries. Some of us say that we are all powerless marionettes. Others encourage us to fight against the emptiness of existence. But what if there’s a third answer? Previderntism, or from Latin, "previdentia," meaning foresight, is a new perspective on our place in the universe that appears to be both predetermined and full of life. It does not rule out the concepts of fate and free will; it incorporates them. Let's break it down.
Metaphor: You’re handed a guitar solo to play. The notes are fixed, but how you play them, passionately, mechanically, rebelliously, determines whether the song moves people. The universe needs performers, not just a score.
What is Previderntism?
The Universe is a Story… and We’re the Storytellers
Consider the universe as a novel. The story is already planned but the humor with which the characters make appearances and their emotional expressions and personal development make it a great read. Previderntism argues: It’s scripted but we get to decide our parts.
That’s not about rewrites of the story line, it’s about having a purpose that brings authenticity to the experience.
Three Core Ideas
1. The Predetermined Path: All things from stellar births to morning coffees exist within a cosmic script according to scientists who might term this process as determinism since everything results from prior occurrences:
2. Emotion is the Point: The universe operates under emotional connections beyond robotic functions. It wants to experience joy, curiosity, and even pain. You’re how it does that.
Example: The script-created disappointment about failing a test becomes the essential emotion that gives meaning to the story scenario. When people experience this emotion the story gains depth.
3. You’re Both Actor and Audience: As you experience the story you also feel what happens in it. That’s magic. Metaphor: The musical notes follow set rules yet a singer's emotional performance transforms written notes into a powerful experience that creates awe.
How Previderntism Solves Everyday Problems
1. "Why Try If I Can't Change My Fate?"
Assume you're destined to work a monotonous job. Previderntism states
- Your dullness, tiny delights, and lunchbreak daydreams matter. They are the universe's way of discovering what it is to be human.
- Real-world example: A barista who is locked in a routine may think, "What's the point?"However, Previderntism poses the question: "What if the universe wants to know how it feels to make 100 lattes a day?"
2. "Do I have free will?"
According to science, your brain's choices are purely chemical. Previdernism responds:
- Your "choices" are part of the screenplay, but the script also includes the excitement of choosing.
- For example, choosing vanilla ice cream over chocolate is predetermined, but the exhilaration you feel while making the decision is genuine.
How Previderntism Differs from Other Philosophies
1. Providentialism vs. Fatalism
Fatalism: "Give up." "Nothing you do matters."
Previderntism: "Your effort always matters, because the script needs you to care."
2. Providentialism vs. Nihilism
Nihilism states, "Life is meaningless."
Previderntism: "Meaning comes from the experience, not the outcome." "The universe is not'meaningless' if it feels meaningful to you."
3. Providentialism vs. Absurdism
Albert Camus' absurdist statement: "The universe doesn't care." "Rebel anyway!"
Previdernism: "The cosmos cares, and it does so through you. Your resistance, laughter, and love are its expressions of care."
Why This Philosophy Matters Today
We live in a society preoccupied with control. We track productivity applications, chase promotions, and fear when things don't go "as planned." Previderntism provides a relief valve.
- Don't worry about the ending. Concentrate on the texture of your life.
- For example, a parent may worry, "Am I raising my child correctly?" Previderntism states: "The script already knows." "Just enjoy the messy, beautiful moments."
In Their Own Words: What Philosophers Say
Previderntism adapts and builds upon the ideas of earlier philosophers:
- Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677): "We're all part of a deterministic universe." Previderntism adds: "Yes, but that universe feels alive through us."
- Carl Jung (1875–1961): "Life is a story already written, but we must live it to find out what it means." Previderntism emphasizes that meaning comes from the living, not the endpoint.
Conclusion: Your Life is a Gift to the Universe
Previderntism emphasizes surrender and emotion, rather than fate or free will. Although you cannot change the script, you can give it your all.
Next time you feel little among the sky, remember:
- The universe created you for a purpose, not just to exist.
- Your boredom, passion, and midnight anxieties are all part of the song.
Sing loudly and proudly, even if the song was composed before your birth.
References for the Curious
Determinism: “The Illusion of Free Will” by Sam Harris (book).
Absurdism: “The Myth of Sisyphus” by Albert Camus (essay).
Emotion & Meaning: “The Power of Meaning” by Emily Esfahani Smith (book).
Previderntism