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Yellow's picture

Word Choice

I think that Schwartz's use of the word "serendipity" gives his argument that too many choices complicate our lives a different, more important feel. He is making a correlation between fate and human choice, making it seem that humans should let someone/something else do all of the work for us instead of making our own choices. It is a very god/divine force centric attitude, and makes me feel powerless.

I love making choices, and having a lot to choose from because I like analyzing and considering different options. Often, when I deliberate over a choice for a long time, such as what prom dress to buy, I make the decision that feels right to me and don't regret it because I considered it for such a long time. The fact that there are alternatives out there doesn't bother me, because I feel I've made the right choice.

But I understand his point that too many choices can cause panic and lack of direction/ambition. But saying that serendipity, or fate, is the right course of action sounds lazy and risky. I wouldn't want to have my mom pick out a prom dress for me. But who says that with all the fish in the sea, we choose who to fall in love with? We don't.

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