While reading Galen Strawson’s essay, all I really got out of it was the idea that he doesn’t believe in narratives. I honestly don’t completely agree or disagree with him. On one hand, I can see why he believes the idea that people’s stories happen just as they happen, that they can’t control them. This makes sense since I don’t see how people could drastically change the course of their lives, that things just happen. When I think of my future, it’s not this clear picture of having a specific job in a specific city, living in a specific structure(house/apartment), or even what degree I’ll end up with. All I know, or rather hope for, is what I hope my future is like. For example, I hope that I’m working at a job I have a strong passion for, that I have happy and loving family, that I’m able to volunteer around the world. In no way do I believe someone has the ability to predict and fully choose their future based on current circumstances.

On the flip side, I can also disagree with Strawson. People do have a chance at changing their future, but not in every aspect. For example, people who come from poverty or a gang life style have the ability to grow into an intelligent, powerful individual. They can decide that they want to change the path they’re currently on to become a CEO of a big brand or even president. What someone wants to do with their life can guide their future in a new direction, rather than the original planned timeline. Not everyone wants to leave a gang or the hood that they were raised in since that may be all that they know. But, some do and those people are the ones that choose to go the extra mile by studying harder and working from a young age in order to create a positively effective future.

Strawson made good points in that there are highly intelligent people out there that believe and can argue both sides. However, he maintains his own, valid opinion that he does not have a narrative nor believe they’re a true thing.