Bringing Mae Flowers

Daily writing prompt

Do you think we’re shaped more by our experiences or by who we are?

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I sometimes wonder who I would be, if my life had turned out differently.

I have an unhealthy addiction to Webcomics. I’ll be the first to admit that they are often poorly written, full of plot-holes, and rely heavily on tropes. One of the most common tropes is the regression-revenge plot.

Here’s how a standard regression plot works.

A protagonist dies a painful death, often the result of a betrayl. The moment they die, they wake up years in the past, giving them the opportunity to change their fate and exact revenge on their enemies. It’s cliche, dramatic, and almost always formulaic, but it also makes me wonder– would I be the same person if I went back?

Many of theses character completely change their personality.

Timid characteres become bold, villianous characters become compassionate, and niave characters become wise. Having already lived, loved, and lost, many of these characters vow to learn from their mistakes. Many cite that they have an advantage because they know the future, but I argue the opposite. It’s not the fact that they’ve seen the future that helps them overcome their previous restriction; it’s because they learned from the past.

That’s the opportunity experience provides– edcuation.

No one is born knowing everything. In fact, beyond basic bodily functions, we have to learn everything through observation and experimentation. In other words, we learn through experience. While genetics may make us more or less predisposed toward certain traits and abilities, few of them would ever reach their full potential without practice.

Would I be the same if I went back?

Genetically speaking, I’d be the same person. But mentally and emotionally, I think I would change. There are memories I’ve made, skills I’ve developed, and physical changes I’ve made that have shaped who I am now. If I went back– if I made different choices and experienced different things– my life would turn out differenetly.

The real question is, does it mattere?

If we are born the way we are, there’s nothing we can do to change. But if we become who we are through experiences, then we have more control. I believe we can choose who we become. Sometimes, we become who we want to be easily. Sometimes, it’s difficult. Oftentimes, we fall short of our goal But at the end of the day, I think who we choose to be is the most important thing.