If your mother hadn't had intercourse with your father at that moment, you wouldn't exist
The article explores the philosophical implications of human existence and the role of contingency in shaping life.
The article reflects on the work of Hungarian-American philosopher John Kekes, emphasizing how the concepts of contingency and fortune are intrinsic to the human condition. It argues that humans are inherently shaped by various external and internal factors that define their existence, highlighting the philosophical underpinnings of these ideas. Kekes suggests that acknowledging the role of contingency is essential to understanding our lives, which began with the very act of conception—pointing to how the genetic material we inherit plays a critical role in our identity. Ultimately, the discourse invites readers to contemplate how much of their life is dictated by chance and the inevitable uncertainties we face, framing this awareness as part of the human experience.