The Meaning We Choose

Aetiology is the belief that our past, especially traumas, define our future. As proposed by Freud. 

Teleology is the belief that we can choose the meaning we assign to our past. A view championed by Adler. 

Aetiology is deterministic, teleology is empowering. 

That's why I believe we have the power to choose the meaning we assign to what happens to us. 

It's easy to see this in action: people often experience similar life events, yet some choose to be empowered while others fall into victimhood.