All nurture and no nature?

Antigone would most certainly agree with you on this one. I believe she would say that it was in her nature to carry out her actions because of pre-determination.

If you have not read Monsieur Anouilh's book it may be worth a look in-Antigone seems to be anything but passive! She has to fight every step of the way to do what she understands is her duty.

Apologies for headache!
Oh boy, I actually read that book in school and successfully wiped it out of my memory - I hated it at the time! But that goes for a lot of literature we had to struggle through. I might give it another try.

So, if I understand you correctly you're saying that predetermination (as Antigone sees it) only sets some sort of goal or mission in your life? Like a life long search or task you have to fulfill? And how would you know what it is then? Can you decide to go against it and follow another path? Hmmm... that's cleary a different definition from the one I had in mind. Could you illuminate a little more?

Oh, and don't worry about the headache...I like a little pain *grins* and I just love discussions like this. Only wish I knew the theoretical background a little better.