""Fate permitting" is a standard Stoic phrase meant to remind ourselves that planning things is up to us, but the ultimate outcomes are not under our control. It helps us to develop an attitude of equanimity toward the universe. We should very much try to change things for the better, that's the whole point of the Stoic discipline of action."
Source : "Reggie Miller: 'Michael Jordan on his worst day is 10 times better than Kobe Bryant on his best day'" by Nick Schwartz, ftw.usatoday.com. December 16, 2014.