Naturally Fatalistic

The Filipino is naturally fatalistic. No amount of expostulation on the virtues of science or logic can dislodge him from his idea of fatalism. He believes that whatever happens to him is the work of Fate. This fatalism is best symbolized in the phrase "Bahala na," a phrase that defies translation but which may be rendered loosely as "come what may". Can you go through that wall of fire? Bahala na. Are you sure you can convince him to give up his plan of leaving home? Bahala na. There are dangers ahead, don't be so foolish as to rush in where angels fear to tread. Bahala na. This is the last morsel we have; where do we get tomorrow's food? Dont' gamble your last centavo: you might go home with pockets inside out. He is big and strong; can you fight him? Bahala na. Such fatalism has bred in the FIlipino a sense of resignation. It is thus that he faces disaster or tragedy with resignation. He appears indifferent in the face of graft and corruption. He appears impassive in the face of personal misfortune. Yet the "Bahala na" attitude prevents him from being a crackpot.