Coincidences
Be sure to check out our collection of coincidence stories.
Some people believe that strange coincidences are simply a product of the laws of probability. Over a long enough given timeline, it is quite possible that everything possible will eventually happen. However, some amazing coincidences completely defy the odds. If you thought that the odds of winning the lottery were high, be assured that more rare and amazing things have happened.
A coincidence is a series of two or more events with no obvious connection that produce noteworthy results. Many coincidences are less than amazing, such as the birthday problem which states that the probability of two individuals sharing a birthday exceeds 50% with a group of only 23. We all have experiences that leave us wondering exactly how probable some coincidences are - like meeting an old friend when staying in cheap hotels at the other side of the world. However, many coincidence stories defy astronomical odds.
Coincidences and Mental Connection
An index of coincidence has been constructed to analyze whether two events are related. Intuitively, some events such as the birthday problem seem much more rare than the mathematics prove. Many coincidences have been linked to conspiracy theories. One of the more famous set of coincidences are the 9/11 events and the Lincoln Kennedy connection. Many of these events are eerie, but require mental association in order to line up. A lot of conspiracy theories are supported by mental connection and little more.
Many sites such as Snopes.com are intent on debunking a lot of the coincidences that are sometimes quoted as gospel truth. Closer examination of such coincidences contained within the Lincoln Kennedy series of events shows that although many of them are hardly extraordinary. The sheer laws of probability can explain most strange coincidences simply due to billions of people engaging in billions of simultaneous activities.
Mathematicians have even stated that a lack of coincidence would be the strangest mathematical impossibility of all. Many coincidences are strange to say the least, but when analyzed more closely aren't mathematically as rare as they seem.
Synchronicity
What makes the phenomenon of coincidences amazing is the mental association which creates the connection. In many cases, without a mental connection, there is no connection whatsoever. Amazing coincidences have also been linked to synchronicity, an occurrence that means something special to a certain individual. Freak occurrences that seem to be adding up and pointing in one direction is not an uncommon phenomenon.
The idea of synchronicity was created by Carl Jung. The notion is that there is an association between the physical world and the world of perception. The Swiss psychiatrist formed his own school of analytical psychology in which he explores paranormal notions such as astrology, spiritualism, telepathy, telekinesis, and clairvoyance applied to reality. Acting as a medium in explaining ideas of coincidence using science as well as the possibility of paranormal activity, synchronicity is an interesting topic
The science behind coincidences is not conclusive. Repeated coincidences have lead to theories involving supernatural or psychic forces. Coincidences are also commonly connected to fatalism, a sense of pre-determined destiny. Coincidences are interesting regardless of whether your explanation lies in science or spirituality, strange occurrences that seem to be linked spark interest in a great number of individuals.