The article “Choices in life,” written by James Van Praagh explains how certain decisions now can affect certain situations in the future. In this article Van Praagh discusses the ways drastic decisions must be carefully chosen since the aftermath can have a major affect in the future.

Every day people are faced with decisions and choices, some being not as drastic as others. “I believe life is just a series of decisions we make, and depending on our choice, we must live with the result of that decision,” (Van Praagh 1). States James Van Praagh. He describes that the decisions taken now can change life forever. When people can not decide something in a situation they become “confused and anxious” resulting in poor decisions making. He also speaks about how life can not be controlled, but the way choices are made can be. There are many difficult choices that must be made in life that result in affecting the lives of others. “the choices regarding life decisions such as career, moving, etc. are very difficult because in many of those cases, the response to that choice will be longstanding,” (Van Praagh 2). These types of choices can not be decided in a quick minute, they take time to think about since the outcome is long term. In the end of the article he explains that the choices and decisions made are based on two factors: “love and fear” both resulting in different endings.

This relates to the novel because Dimmesdale did not think about the outcome with his choice in being with Hester. Resulting in Pearl being born and Hester being constantly shamed for her actions. Many still see Dimmesdale as a holy man but the thought that the town does not know the sins Dimmesdale has committed haunts him. He constantly tortures himself by whipping himself and fasting in a way of his results in his past choices. He also stood on the stand where Hester and Pearl stand to be publicly shamed as well as other sinners. By doing this he believes the people of the town now see his sin and the choices he took in the past.

In conclusion it is necessary for people to carefully chose their decisions since those choices can affect their future. Minister Dimmesdale did not carefully chose a wise decision in sinning with Hester. These choices he took have had a serious outcome resulting in many problems.