Serendip is an independent site partnering with faculty at multiple colleges and universities around the world. Happy exploring!

Reply to comment

Sharaai's picture

Allow For Serendipity

 

                I think that by "allowing for serendipity", Schwartz wants the reader to make their lives better. To not become such maximizers in life that even when a great thing has happened to you, you are still disappointed. I feel like his version of serendipity is more on the choice side than the side of luck. You aren't making yourself more lucky, you are just giving yourself less chances to be disappointed. You are allowing your mind to process smaller amounts of choice, which gets rid of the negative chances by numbers. Allowing for serendipity is allowing yourself to be happy with the decisions you make. I think that his advice to allow for serendipity is one that should be considered by many in their lives. It is a simple state of mind that can help a little, or can change your perspective on everyday events.
                Though my take on serendipity makes it seem as if I am settling for things in life, I feel like I have always allowed serendipity in my life. When I make my decisions, I always try to stay positive about my decisions, whether it have to do with a choice of clothing or even my decision to be at Bryn Mawr.  When I buy something, I tell myself that it was a good decision and that I am happy with it. If a shirt that I buy doesn't fit correctly, I try to make the best of it by still wearing it, or simply altering it. When I feel out of place at Bryn Mawr, I think of the friends I already have and the amazing opportunities that an education from here will provide me. Serendipity is a part of my life and i never really realized it until I really thought about it.

Reply

To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.
5 + 2 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.