Light Switch of Destiny

“This ladies and gentlemen is the Light Switch of Destiny,” the suit said.

“What exactly does it do?” a grunt from the back called forward.

“How does it work?” another called out.

“I will address those questions in reverse order. First, it works by switching it from the on position to the off position. Secondly, it creates destiny.”

An attractive young woman took a few steps forward and asked, “What if we don’t believe in fate?”

“Good question,” the suit said. “It isn’t the Light Switch of Fate. It is the Light Switch of Destiny. At the root of the word fate, it implies we have no choice. Our lives are completely predetermined, and we have no choice. The end game is always death, or doom, no matter our actions. Destiny, on the other hand, does not carry the negative connotations. While destiny does imply the lack of agency it implies that it merely steers the human condition.”

The first grunt spoke up, “That is all fine and dandy Sir, but what do the intricacies of the English language have to do with a light switch that can supposedly do something to a man’s destiny?”

The second grunt countered, “Well, many things in line are dependant upon the perspective of the observer. If an individual felt he had no choice in a matter, how would he act? If this was a tool to guide a person they would be more likely to make choices that put them in the place they wanted to be. In effect, the light switch is like Dumbo’s feather. A crutch used to convince a person they can do anything as long as they have this object”

The young woman said, “If your point is to be believed that the light switch is ‘Dumbo’s feather’ then what you are saying is that we had the power in us all along to do whatever we wanted to do, correct?”

“Yes,” he said.

“If that is the case, this light switch is nothing more than a two dollar piece of plastic from the home improvement store down the street.”

“Wait!” the suit said, “This is the Light Switch of Destiny, damnit! It can alter your destiny if you so choose.”

“But, if it alters my destiny it alters your destiny along with it, correct?” The young woman walked up to the switch and placed her hand on the switch.

The suit started to walk toward her. She held up her hand and said, “Douglas Adams once said, ‘I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.’ I choose my actions. I make my own way.” With that she flipped the switch, and the room when dark.”

-P