55 Fate Quotes

Fate can make us wonder how much of life is determined for us and how much is shaped by the choices we make. Some believe destiny guides the path ahead, while others believe our decisions, attitude, and actions have a greater influence on where life takes us.

These fate quotes offer different thoughts about destiny, choice, perseverance, faith, love, and the unexpected turns of life. As you read them, consider the role fate may play, but also remember the difference your own choices and actions can make in shaping the road ahead.

You may also enjoy our collection of Poems About Fate.

Updated September 15, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Fate And The Choices We Make

Do our choices shape our fate? These quotes remind us that our decisions, actions, and determination can influence the direction our lives take.

You determine your own fate by what goals you set, what action you take and the attitude you have in life.
Catherine Pulsifer

There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Will

It is not fate that casts me down but only destructive thoughts make me drown.
Robert Rivers, Fate Challenged

Always remember age is only a date and you determine your own fate
Catherine Pulsifer, Birthday Greetings To You

I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley, Invictus

We have the power to decide our fate, though choices can be difficult to make.
Catherine Pulsifer, Mistakes and Regret

You are the architect of your own fate; Toil on, hope on, and dare to do and be.
Ella Wheeler Wilcox, The City

When it comes to life, we spin our own yarn, and where we end up is really, in fact, where we always intended to be.
Julia Glass

It is you that determines your fate, you stand with your hand on the knob of fame's doorway to-day, and life asks you to say just what you will make of your job.
Edgar A. Guest, The Job

I believe that I am the architect of my own fate; therefore, I will be master of circumstances and surroundings, not their slave.
Unknown, A Creed

Don't let circumstances determine your fate. Choose your fate and mold circumstances to fit your fate of choice.
D.B. Harrop

I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing.
Ronald Reagan

We will be what we could be. Do not "It might have been, had not or that, or this" - no fate can keep us from the chosen way
Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Every day we have choices to make they may seem small but they can determine our fate
Catherine Pulsifer, Choices We Make

Facing Fate With Courage

Life does not always unfold as we hoped, but courage, perseverance, and a hopeful attitude can help us face whatever comes our way.

If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude.
Charles Revson

I have no wish to rail at fate,and vow that I'm unfairly treated; I do not give vent to my hate because at times I am defeated.
Edgar A. Guest, The Old, Old Story

But, with a smile and words of hope, gives zest to every toiler. He alone is great who by a life heroic conquers fate.
Unknown, Faces What He Must

My luck was slowly fading, fate seemed out of reach; but with grit and determination, things don't have to be bleak.
Catherine Pulsifer, Perseverance A Good Luck Charm

And though 'tis human fate to fail, 'tis great to hold still fast to that one thing thou lovest best, for it alone will last.
Max Ehrmann, Walk Sweetly

Few ever fail by trying. few ever win who wait. All of your sitting, sighing never will conquer fate.
Douglas Malloch, One Thing Is For Certain, Son

Just because fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential.
Les Brown

And if Fate knocks you down with a shattering blow - it may be your big chance in disguise - if you stand up and meet it with courage and faith, looking onward with bright, fearless eyes
Patience Strong, Opportunities

Fate may betray you, but you settle first whether to live to your best or your worst.
Edgar A. Guest, Decide

Boost, and your spirit's happy; knock, and your fate's unkind; you can reap no boon when you're out of tune, for the crowd never stops to mind!
David V. Bush

When life seems an empty state. when you pause and question fate...try, try again!
David V. Bush, Try Again

When Fortune frowns and Fate looks cold, though darkness appears to obscure all the light, look straight toward the temples of Truth and Right; press on!
Lillian E. Curtis

If Fate assails you ill by ill, do not lose your pep!
David V. Bush

A cheery heart, in spite of fate; the strength to work, the patience to wait; a hand that lifts a brother up and shares with him the bitter cup.
Lida Marie Erwin, These Would I Keep

Curse not your fate in accents weak. but be a man, and in the strife. Plunge with the strength of all your life.
David V. Bush, You'll Strike Your Stride

Faith, God And Fate

Faith can change the way we look at fate, reminding us that we do not always understand the direction life takes or what God may be doing through it.

Sometimes God will place a wall on your path to force you to go in another direction.
Suzy Kassem

O Lord, let us believe in Thee, and believing, let us have a heart for any fate.
George L. Perin, Verge of The Old Year

The man of life upright.... Thus, scorning all the cares that fate or fortune brings, he makes the heaven his book, his wisdom heavenly things
Thomas Campion, The Happy Life

Sometimes it is best for men not to attempt to interfere with destiny. Our prayers can be answered in ways which we do not expect and do not welcome.
Wilbur Smith

Man's fate and heart compared to heaven, Is but an evil nod; he cannot thank with a true spirit, or all the mercy of God.
J. J. Thorne

Fate, Love And Relationships

Sometimes the people who enter our lives can make us wonder about fate, chance, and whether certain paths were somehow meant to cross.

And I thank the stars above it was fate that brought us two, for on this day my destiny certainly came true.
Catherine Pulsifer, No Greater Day

I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate to make me happy.
Roy Croft, Love

Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends.
Jacques Delille

Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart.
Marcus Aurelius

The fate that made me wander far at last has brought me home to thee, dear haven of my heart, and I no more will roam.
Henry VanDyke, Arrival

Who knows what fate has in store, we may meet again someday.
Julie Hebert, Where Is Mr. Right

I believe in fate you see, and that is why you've come to me. I knew one day our paths would cross.
Julie Hebert, Fate Brought You To Me

Having love in your life, just a brother even a wife, can make all the difference to fate.
Julie Hebert, Life Without Love

Man does not control his own fate. The women in his life do that for him.
Groucho Marx

Accepting The Unexpected Turns Of Life

We cannot predict every turn in the road ahead. These quotes reflect on accepting uncertainty while continuing to live with hope and purpose.

And if Fate grows harsher still and sterner, and our dearest treasures perish, we know, though we sigh and murmur, earthly idols we should not cherish.
Lillian E Curtis, Sunshine and Shadow

Peace, the sweet glory of the world, faces a duty, too; death is her fate, leaves she one gate for war to enter
Edgar A. Guest, Preparedness

We grumpily accept this fate with only a weary sigh - for age catches everyone whether we try to defy.
Catherine Pulsifer, No One Immune To Age

What would we do in this world of ours were it not for the dreams ahead? To some it's a dream of a truce with Fate in a constant search for health.
Edwin Carlile Litsey, The Dreams Ahead

Judge not! - though clouds of seeming guilt may dim thy brothers fame; for fate may throw suspicion's shade upon the brightest name
Unknown, Judge Not

I would live this life so well strangers of me praise might tell....not as one who conquered fate; not as one who rose to fame leaving a remembered name, but as one who served some need with a timely, kindly deed.
Edgar A. Guest, Creed

Behind the clouds is the sun still shining; thy fate is the common fate of all, into each life some rain must fall. Some days must be dark and dreary.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Rainy Day

My life is a fault at last, I fear: it seems too much like a fate, indeed!
Robert Browning, Life in a Love

We find that it's ever so in this life's uneven flow; we've only to wait, in the face of fate, for the green grass under the snow.
Annie A. Preston, The Green Grass Under The Snow

A smile is a tonic we all can take in daily mixtures with our fate. We know not, cannot estimate its value.
Author Unknown

Destiny And The Road Ahead

None of us knows exactly what tomorrow will bring. The uncertainty of the future can be part of what makes life's journey both challenging and full of possibility.

It's time to explore, the world that awaits. Allow yourself to, embrace your fate.
Julie Hebert, The World That Awaits

The clock ticks loud as if by the swinging of the pendulum of fate. One waits as for a signal to launch his boat upon an unknown sea — a New Year.
George L. Perin, Stroke Of Twelve

Conclusion

Fate is something people have wondered about for generations. We may never know how much of life is determined by destiny, chance, or circumstances beyond our control. What we do know is that our choices, attitude, faith, and willingness to keep going can make a difference in how we experience the road before us.

May these fate quotes encourage you not to simply wait for life to happen. Make thoughtful choices, keep hope when circumstances change, trust God through the unknown, and move forward with courage. Whatever tomorrow brings, today still gives us an opportunity to choose how we will live.