Circle of Life?

I had a debate last night about the best framework for viewing the whole of our lives.

A friend said that life is comprised of cycles, of patterns that repeat. He sees it all as circular.

I disagreed. I see life as an arc, or as an arrow flying forward through time, with a tragectory whose course can be and is altered by events both within and outside of our control.

I should use my Sharpie to draw a series of concentric circles on his forehead to serve as a target for my archery practice. Unless I miss, I would win the argument.