Yes, this whole idea that everything you do is changing the course of the future, is quite scary. The outfit you wore, the pen you used, the question you answered in class, all contribute to everyone's future. This is what is more commonly known as 'The Butterfly effect.' I am no mathematician, I'm more of a philosopher, therefore (despite many hours trying to understand the physics of it) I cannot even fathom the twists and turns of chaos theory and how the butterfly effect can be proven using physics. However, I can explain it and what consequences it can have in our lives - what you do matters.

(SIDE NOTE: This is a theory - it has been backed up by science but it still has its flaws as the maths and physics can only go so far.)

Edward Lorenz was a mathematician and meteorologist who used his knowledge in those fields to create what is known as chaos theory - the idea that systems in this universe have unpredictable behaviour by deterministic laws (the idea that things are determined by external factors.) This line of thinking led him to the 'butterfly effect', and his very well-known analogy, which in simple terms is: If a butterfly flaps its wings it could cause catastrophic events such as a typhoon. This whole concept may seem far-fetched after all, a butterfly couldn't do that all itself as it doesn't have the strength, however the idea is that it's a domino effect. A drastic example that many people will know is that Hitler, when he was younger, applied to the academy of Fine arts in Vienna and was rejected twice. People say that if Hitler had been accepted into art school, he wouldn't have gone to such extreme lengths of letting out his hatred on others and history would've been entirely different. This Historical example, as well as many others, make people start to question things in their lives that could've been caused by this crazy effect.

As humans, we like to think we have control over what we say and do, however Chaos theory and the butterfly effect may make you think differently. Think of a big event that happened in your life, happy or sad. Now think of how it affects you today. Do you think of things or people differently because of it? Do you do or say certain things in response to situations because of it? This is a deep idea - we do things subconsciously because of the things we have experienced and as a result, things such as this proves that these external factors that we can't control are affecting us on a daily basis. I admit, this is a lot to think about because of this very human need to think that everything is up to us but it is still an attempt at controlling our lives by finding out why we can't actually control our reactions and actions to things. In a way we can start our own positive butterfly effects: for example, you could smile at a total stranger and as a result has made there day, and as a result they feel more productive so get more work done and so on, it not only effects that one person but the people and things around them positive or negative.

You could quite literally go on for days about the butterfly effect and analysing the minor details or events that have led you to where you are today. The philosophy behind it is immense and I couldn't possibly cover the whole cover everything here- I would be here a very long time. The overall thing to think about is: Your actions have consequences - much more extreme than what you think - So how will you use this to create change and a positive environment for everyone?