Coincidentalist

A coincidentalist is an individual who believes in, or emphasizes, the significance of coincidences, unexpected occurrences, and the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated events. They often see patterns and meaning where others might perceive mere chance. A coincidentalist may attribute causality or a deeper purpose to coincidences, believing they are not merely random happenings but rather reveal hidden connections, reflect karmic forces, or offer guidance. They find the frequency and nature of coincidences noteworthy, shaping their perspectives and interpretations of the world around them. They might study these events and believe coincidences offer a lens of perception for the truth or what might happen.

Coincidentalist meaning with examples

• Sarah, a staunch coincidentalist, always noted when seemingly random events lined up. When a long-lost friend's number appeared on her caller ID the day after she thought of them, she saw it as a sign of fate. The coincidental timing reinforced her belief that the universe communicates through synchronicity. This led her to make decisions and alter her life in a variety of ways, like moving to a new state.
• The detective, a self-proclaimed coincidentalist, noticed the peculiar recurrence of a specific date across three unrelated crime scenes. He disregarded the dismissive comments of his team, as he knew the power of seemingly trivial details. The coincidences propelled his investigation further, ultimately connecting the crimes and unmasking the culprit, and he began following and focusing on this strategy more often in future cases.
• A coincidentalist, Maya, interpreted the repeated appearance of a specific number in her life – on license plates, clocks, and receipts – as a message from the universe. She began a journal to track all the different ways the number appeared. These observations led her to believe it was a personal signal. As a result, she took steps to change jobs, move cities, and build relationships, all under the direction of what she felt was a divine hand.
• After a series of startling coincidences, a philosopher and coincidentalist, Dr. Evans, proposed a new theory arguing that events, no matter how distinct, were linked via previously unobserved connections. His book explored the complex relationships among these surprising, yet powerful, coincidences, igniting both support and skepticism within the academic community. His research sparked both criticism and fascination, and the debate continues to evolve as the discussion unfolds.