Many individuals today perceive that our existence unfolds according to a predetermined path, shaped by prior decisions and actions. This notion suggests that the choices made in the past have led to significant issues such as pollution, depersonalization, and the decline of urban environments. It raises the idea that these consequences stem from decisions beyond our control, leaving us with the burden of their repercussions.

Michael Crichton's book "The Terminal Man" encapsulates this sentiment, highlighting how collective choices from the past have shaped our current reality. The author suggests that the societal developments we witness today are the results of external decisions made by others, which we must now navigate and contend with, reflecting a disconnect between personal agency and systemic issues.