Whether the two exist or not is immaterial. Whatever actions we may or may not take, we cannot change whether there is fate or not. Since nothing we can do can change the nature of this reality, any ponderance beyond the passing random thoughts on the subject are nothing more than a form of masturbation. We think deep thoughts on the issue and proclaim great theories that cannot ever be proven or disproven. In the end it is all just the stroking of egos and pontificating of puffed up charlatans who are as afraid of the unknown as the rest of us. I say to you philosophers, the time you spent on discourse and deductions regarding this subject could have been better spent in the arms of a willing lover.