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Destiny in Afrika that is taught from a young age is the idea that a person’s path through life has been predetermined. The very notion of destiny is not fatalism, there is no sense that one’s destiny is bad or evil, but rather that one must work each day to to work out the destiny that was designed before birth. Afrikan religion does not trivialise the idea of destiny to ideas like romance or the futility of working. One does not have to try to outmaneuver destiny, but one can embrace it because one can choose to accept destiny or fight against it. It is viewed as a sequence of events that is inexorable, the idea of destiny that takes its character from human uniqueness.

Destiny is not a fatalistic concept. People work to have their destinies prolonged and changed. It is only the inexplicable traits of humans that are explained by destiny. Afrikans are taught that in the Afrikan world, humans are not the masters of their own lives or the universe; they are beneficiaries. How to live in the world is the job of the individual who is aware of their destiny. The universe has existed long before humans and will exist long after humans; therefore it is taught that is is important to maintain humilty even as people walk upon the Earth.

Thus the idea of destiny or better still how one goes about negotiating his or her path can determine how pleased one is with the adventure of life. Therefore respecting the ancestors, claiming dignity affirming actions, following the proper rituals and remembering in humility the importance of character are at the center of embracing destiny.