You know, the most amazing thing happened to me tonight. I was coming here, on the way to the lecture, and I came in through the parking lot. And you won't believe what happened. I saw a car with the license plate ARW 357. Can you imagine? Of all the millions of license plates in the state, what was the chance that I would see that particular one tonight? Amazing!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Random coincidences feel amazing when you notice them.
- In plain terms
- Chance events seem special when you pay attention.
- What can you take from it?
- Notice the wonder in everyday randomness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What coincidence surprised you recently?
- Why do small events feel significant?
Another view
Overemphasis on coincidence can lead to pattern-seeking bias.
More from Richard Feynman
Know how to solve every problem that has been solved.
Permalink to quote #82 I am not happy with all the analysis that go with just classical theory, because nature is not classic, dammit, and if you want to make a simulation of nature …
Permalink to quote #84 When you are solving a problem, don't worry. Now, after you have solved the problem, then that's the time to worry.
Permalink to quote #81
Related quotes
From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.
Dr. SeussDr. Seuss quote #23 For every man the world is as fresh as it was at the first day, and as full of untold novelties for him who has the eyes to see them.
Thomas Henry HuxleyThomas Henry Huxley quote #47 Twinkle, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are, Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky!
Jane TaylorJane Taylor quote #1