Mainyo-i-Khard 23

The sage asked the spirit of wisdom

thus: 'Is it possible to contend with destiny through wisdom and knowledge, or not?'

The spirit of wisdom answered

thus: 'Even with the might and powerfulness of wisdom and knowledge, even then it is not possible to contend with destiny.

Because, when predestination as to virtue, or as to the reverse, comes forth, the wise becomes wanting (niyâzân) in duty, and the astute in evil becomes intelligent;

the faint-hearted becomes braver, and the braver becomes faint-hearted;

the diligent becomes lazy, and the lazy acts diligently.

Just as is predestined as to the matter, the cause enters into it,

and thrusts out everything else.'