"But the rule seems to be that the bigger and more life-changing the decision, the less it will seem like a decision at all"

Hugh Mackay's declaration, "But the guideline appears to be that the larger and more life-changing the choice, the less it will appear like a choice at all", presents a thought-provoking viewpoint on the nature of decision-making, specifically when it involves significant life options. In the beginning look, it may appear counterintuitive. After all, one may presume that larger, life-altering choices would demand more mindful deliberation and reflection. However, Mackay recommends a different truth.

One analysis of this quote is that monumental choices typically arise from a profound sense of intuition or inevitability, instead of a calculated procedure of weighing benefits and drawbacks. When confronted with a decision that might alter the course of our lives-- such as selecting a life partner, a career path, or deciding to have children-- the choice might feel less like an active option and more like a natural progression or an unfolding of one's destiny. This might be because these decisions resonate deeply with our core values, desires, or identity.

Furthermore, Mackay's insight can also indicate that considerable decisions often come from accumulated experiences and subconscious processing. By the time we confront such decisions, our minds may have already reached a conclusion, deciding point itself feel almost anticlimactic. There might be a hidden certainty or an internal alignment that guides us, giving an air of inevitability to the choice we make.

Another layer to consider is the social and cultural influences on our understanding of huge choices. Sometimes, social standards, pressures, or stories form our understanding of what decisions are "ideal" for us, which might make these decisions feel preordained rather than actively chosen.

In essence, Hugh Mackay's quote encourages us to review how we approach significant life choices. It recommends that in some cases, the larger the decision, the more it use the fundamental elements of who we are, making it feel less like a problem and more like a natural action on our life's journey.