Do Coincidences Really exist?

By Monju Haque

Interestingly it is a question that divides people. Some people believe that coincidences do exist others believe that it does not and that in fact it is actually to do with fate and destiny. Although there are numerous interpretations and reasoning for each I really need to know and understand the truth to this rather intriguing question. But then again the question itself too broad to justify a simplified answer. Its surprising how a simple question plays such a massive part in our every day lives.

Okay it might be easier if we get a broader definition of what a coincidence is. In Wikipedia there is an extensive explanation but in a nutshell a “coincidence is the occurring of an event in conjunction with any some conditions, e.g. another event. As such, a coincidence occurs when something uncanny, accidental and unexpected happens under conditions named, but not under a defined relationship. When there are no conditions named, the event is just that single entity”.

Some people believe that coincidences do exist and that “it’s the universe trying hard to come to grips with us and so that we work in harmony with it”. But then again can this not be interpreted as fate and destiny? I guess it depends on whether you are looking at it from a scientific or spiritual angle. Those that believe that it is all about fate and destiny will argue that yes, everything happens for a reason and that we sometimes do not realise things that are right in front of us and that sometimes it can take a number of coincidences to shock us awake before we realise the obvious. Sometimes we just don’t see the most obvious things that are staring us in the face but yet are surprised when the penny does drop and the realisation sinks in. Some people believe that “Coincidences” in fact are some sort of divine connection and that it’s an opportunity for individuals to choose paths at critical junctions in their lives that otherwise may have been missed. From this viewpoint coincidences can then be seen as sign posts that some people ignore or miss for whatever reason. It could be due to personal beliefs. I mean so far my search into the answer.

Some people believe that extraordinary coincidences are often not enough to construe intention of any kind and have assumed that they know God’s will based on interpretation of coincidences that have occurred. But this is obviously the spiritual/religious aspect relating again to the divine and fate. Those that have a more scientific approach will not agree with this.

It’s evident that the more scientifically inclined individual would confidently say that no, coincidences do not happen for a reason, but that incident’s occur as a product of cause and effect. I mean come on, would it not be correct to state what seems quite obvious, and say that a coincidence is basically two or more incidents that occur and have similar attributes. From a scientific perspective, there is no such thing as “coincidences” but am not sure if I agree with this at all, I mean coincidental incidents occur don’t they. On the other hand, Freud felt that coincidences are matters of perception. “Nothing happens for no reason. All matter, energy and even knowledge are connected to each other and cannot act or react in its own singularity”. Freud may have been right, in saying that “all coincidences are an illusion of universal randomized and chaos”. But it is also equally as possible that the universe itself has a conscious plan mapped out for the contents of itself.

Naive as it may sound my short little journey into the world of coincidences led me to my answer, well sort of. I can confidently say that coincidences good or bad do exist and it’s like pieces of a jigsaw and all the bits come together so that we can make some sort of sense of fate, everything happening for a reason and so forth.

Obviously one explanation is not adequate. Whatever the reason or explanation I am thankful for some of the experiences that I have had and the amazing people I have been fortunate enough to meet. I am extremely thankful recently of meeting someone coincidently/accidently/fatefully who has had the charisma and passion to make me think positively and support me through a very traumatic time. I personally feel that coincidences and fate are one and the same or that there is a fine line between coincidences and fate and that some things are just meant to happen. Whether good or bad it’s just meant to be. And of course I must remember that these are all valuable life experiences that we can learn from. So I believe the answer is yes. I think EVERYTHING happens for a reason. It takes something like destiny to arrange all the bizarre “coincidences” out there