“I have been trying to point out that in our lives chance may have an astonishing influence and, if I may offer advice to the young laboratory worker, it would be this-never neglect an extraordinary appearance or happening. It may be-usually is, in fact-a false alarm that leads to nothing, but may on the other hand be the clue provided by fate to lead you to some important advance.” ~ Alexander Fleming
Sir Alexander Fleming's encounter with chance was never a matter of attributing his discovery to divine intervention, rather he naturally assumed that chance is a routine feature of life's gifts to the human race sometimes referred too as fate. The ancient Greeks believed that The Fates were at work in their lives whenever they were obliged to accept an unfavourable outcome to their endeavours. On the other hand the very same person would praise the gods when matters provided them with a gift that they were not expecting. Fearing retribution the ancient Greeks were careful not to blame the gods for their misfortunes, while praising the gods for their successes knowing that The Fates provided painful lessons, and gifts that were unexpected. I'm inclined to believe that the many synchronistic coincidences that are leading me along my journey of self discovery are much more than chance.
It has been said that meaningful coincidences present the recipient with a dilemma masquerading as an accident, or perhaps even fate playing its hand as if to say, follow my direction. The cynic may argue that synchronistic phenomena are sought to confirm deeply held beliefs in a divine mystery guiding the faithful person through life.
Perception has its way of informing the student of life's mysteries that their life's direction may change per the sign post that has suddenly, without apparent reason appeared to take them where they were least expecting to go. No confirmation bias here, substantiating the thought that the coincidence merely confirms their expectations already set in motion.
Way, way back in my primary school days my teacher, Chariton Reynolds fixed his gaze on me, asking me whether I had understood the meaning behind the words "those who have eyes to see, and ears to hear let them ponder on the thought, that life's sign posts appear to assist us weather life's storms." My answer was short: I'll know, when it happens.
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