Matt is somewhat a bit incomprehensible, right?

[Caelan Arendor]

Mat is probably the most accidentally-heroic character in fantasy. Every time he tries to run from responsibility, he stumbles into greatness anyway. Is he actually aware of his own significance? Does he grasp his role in the grand design and in the struggle between the cosmic powers? What do you think of it?

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

I think he doesn't want his role in the grand design, but he simply cannot help himself. 

 

Admittedly, it is possible he would have been a gambling drunkard without the effects of being a ta'veren correcting his path, but we will never know. And I think like Suian's uncle, Mat would always brave the flames to save the children. 

 

Though he might move to village where there are no children just to decrease the likelihood of that happening *shrugs"

[Tenobia si bashere kazadi]

Yes I agree like when he resuced the drowning child in the Two Rivers, he wasn't ta'veren then.  

[teekay]

Mat was definitely aware of his significance, considering he is given arguably the greatest military mind of the current age and a full warband it would be harder for him NOT to know lol, his designated role as the general of the forces of light in the last battle is not remotely surprising...but unlike Rand and Perrin the fact that he WILL do something or MUST be significant is unacceptable to Mat, as a gambler the idea that the outcome has already been decided is almost offensive to him.