evidence: These things and many more things shaped us. Their influence is undeniable and we do well to recognize it. That said, our past does not determine us. This is what Emerson wanted us to grasp. Because in the final analysis, it’s our inner selves that determine who we are and who we later become. So we acknowledge our past and its influence on us. We learn from our past and draw important life lessons from it. But it’s what lies within us that should determine who we are. There are wonderful stories of people who have proven this principle time and again. Just a few examples include: [...] But Emerson addresses the future as well as the past. Our future will contain influencing factors just as our past did. But even though our future is unknown to us at this time—some day what was once our future will become our new past. But again, this should not be the determining factor. Emerson put in a few simple words an important principle to grasp and remember. That our past will shape us—but it doesn’t have to make us. Our future will shape us too—but it doesn’t have to make us either. That should be determined by what lies within us. The power to make the best of what happens to us—even if we cannot always choose what happens to us. We can choose to move past it, rise above it, and learn from it. And we should.