over-ruling

Hello,
I am reading the novel Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. In this context, Robinson Crusoe survived after a storm, but he didn't want to go home.

"But my ill fate pushed me on now with an obstinacy that nothing could resist; and though I had several times loud calls from my reason and my more composed judgment to go home, yet I had no power to do it. I know not what to call this, nor will I urge that it is a secret over-ruling decree that hurries us on to be the instruments of our own destruction, even though it be before us, and that we push upon it with our eyes open."

I would like to know the meaning of over-ruling in this case. Thank you in advance.

I suppose from the context that it means “overriding” - it trumps other principles.

PS yes, it is in the OED in this sense. It is nowhere near as common as “overriding” in this adjectival sense.

Thank you very much.

Welcome to the forum, ngocnguyen58. 👁 Smile :)


As you probably know, this book was written in 1719. Language has evolved considerably since then.

Please mention this if you ask any more questions about it.

Thank you for reminding me about it.