In Haruki Murakami's "The Elephant Vanishes," the statement "We never choose anything at all. Things happen. Or not" reflects on the randomness of life and the illusion of choice. This perspective suggests that many aspects of our lives unfold beyond our control, influenced by circumstances rather than our decisions. It prompts readers to reconsider the extent of agency they believe they possess in shaping their destinies.

This theme resonates throughout the book, where characters often find themselves in bewildering situations, confronting the arbitrary nature of existence. Murakami's exploration of fate versus free will invites contemplation on how much of life is predetermined and how much is a product of personal choice, leaving a lingering sense of uncertainty in his narratives.