Question: Why are we Masters of our Fate, the captains of our

Hear the solemn and stirring words of Alfred A. Montapert, who asked: “Why are we Masters of our Fate, the captains of our souls? Because we have the power to control our thoughts, our attitudes. That is why many people live in the withering negative world. That is why many people live in the Positive Faith world.” These words are both a challenge and a revelation. They remind us that destiny is not written only by the stars, nor chained by circumstance, but largely forged by the spirit within. For though storms batter the body and fate strikes with unforeseen trials, the heart retains a sacred dominion: the power to choose its thoughts and to shape its attitude.

To be the Master of Fate is not to control every event, but to determine how we respond to them. Montapert echoes the eternal truth spoken by sages and poets: the greatest battlefield lies within the mind. A soul surrendered to despair will see only shadows, even in the noonday sun. A soul anchored in Positive Faith, however, will find hope in the blackest night. Thus, we are captains not by command of the seas, but by command of the helm of our inner life.

History offers proof of this wisdom. Consider Viktor Frankl, prisoner in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. Stripped of freedom, possessions, and family, he discovered one power that could not be taken from him: the power to choose his attitude. In suffering, he found meaning; in despair, he found purpose. His testimony affirms Montapert’s words: that even in chains, one may be a captain of the soul, guiding it toward dignity and light instead of surrendering to darkness.

So too in the life of Helen Keller, born deaf and blind into a world of silence and shadows. Many would have withered in bitterness, yet she embraced Positive Faith, finding beauty in touch, meaning in words, and joy in learning. Through her will, she turned what others saw as curse into blessing, and her life became a beacon to countless others. She was indeed a Master of her Fate, not by sight or hearing, but by the brilliance of her spirit and the mastery of her thoughts.

The meaning of Montapert’s words is this: the difference between living in a withering negative world and a Positive Faith world lies not in circumstance but in choice. Two people may face the same trial; one will curse it and fall, the other will rise through it with courage and gratitude. The trial itself is the same, but the fate it creates is entirely different, because thought and attitude are the rudders that steer the soul’s ship.

The lesson for us is clear: if you wish to command your destiny, begin first with your mind. Guard it against despair, for despair corrodes the will. Fill it with courage, hope, and gratitude, for these are the sails that catch the wind of possibility. Remember always: life is not made bitter by what befalls you, but by how you choose to perceive and respond to it. In this, you decide whether to dwell in negativity or to ascend into faith and strength.

Practical wisdom calls us to three acts. First, practice discipline of thought: when negativity arises, challenge it, and replace it with words of courage. Second, cultivate gratitude, for it transforms even the smallest blessings into strength. Third, live in Positive Faith, not blind to hardship, but steadfast in the belief that every storm can be weathered and every night will yield to dawn. In this way, you become not a passenger tossed by fate, but a captain guiding your course.

So let it be remembered: we are not helpless before destiny. We are indeed the Masters of our Fate, the captains of our souls, because thought is the forge of reality and attitude the compass of life. Alfred A. Montapert’s words are a charge to all who hear them: take command of your mind, anchor yourself in faith, and sail boldly into the seas of life, knowing that though you cannot control the winds, you can always set your sail.