Choice or Fate

Is there really fate in the world or is it just the choices we make that lead to our future?

Even though we may be seeming to make our own decisions, how do we not know that it's really fate controlling our minds?

Or if we think it's fate, how do you know that it's not just your own choices that lead you to the future?

If you believe in fate, you would think that there is a destiny that every person must follow, and the result of that is that fate decides for you subconsciously. However, if you do not believe in fate, you would think that all the decisions you make are based on yourself and it would only be natural for certain events to follow. If fate is really existent and all our decisions are made by a higher being, then what is the point of living if we can't make any choices?

But this leads to the question of whether or not you believe there is a higher being controlling our lives? It depends on your faith and if you believe that there is a heaven and a hell you go to after your death, where heaven is a place of eternal rest and hell is a place to purge your lifelong sins [yet there are places high and low in hell based on the level of your sin].

If I were asked this question, I'm not quite sure how I would respond but with both sides defended. There could be fate, but what would be the point of life if we're not the ones living it [when people say, "Live life for yourself. Don't let other control you," but that refers to other humans; does the quote go the same way as to defy fate?]. I believe that we decide on our own actions, but maybe fate plays a small part in our lives as well.