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Eliza Brennan-Pratt's picture

Serendipity

The movie, Serendipity, is one of my all-time favorites yet it seems laughably contradictory in the context of my life. I’m in love with the idea of serendipity or a “fortunate accident” as Sarah (played by Kate Beckinsale) defines it. I also definitely agree with Schwartz’s contention that serendipity provides for “unexpected pleasure.” On whims while traveling, my friends and I found spectacular beaches, restaurants hidden in unknown neighborhoods, and opportunities that just sprang up out of the blue

These were wonderful moments to remember, but I wonder if serendipity can determine major life events. Overall, my decisions are extremely calculated. I weigh the positives and negatives multiple times before choosing the “right” option. For example, does serendipity really have a place in choosing careers or a life partner? Maybe yes, maybe no. Then again, life is just a series of moments strung together. By opening ourselves up to serendipity, we might experience a whole array of “unexpected pleasures” that will greatly improve our satisfaction. Maybe serendipity really can make us happier people.

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