What Is Serendipity—and Can You Make It Happen?
Serendipity means finding something valuable by chance. The term was coined in 1754 by English writer Horace Walpole, inspired by a fairy tale about three princes from Serendip (now Sri Lanka) who made discoveries not by design, but through luck and insight.
But here’s the twist: you can’t control chance—but you can set the stage for it.
This is what’s known as advance serendipity: the idea that by intentionally shaping your environment, habits, and mindset, you increase the odds that meaningful, unexpected moments will happen.
Think of it like planting a garden. You can’t make flowers grow, but you can choose the soil, the sunlight, and the water. In the same way, you can’t force serendipity—but you can make it more likely.
The Science Behind Advance Serendipity
Serendipity isn’t just luck. It’s a mix of three ingredients:
- Preparedness – You need to be curious and ready to recognize something meaningful. As Louis Pasteur said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.”
- Openness – You have to be willing to explore the unexpected. That means saying “yes” to a random event, even if it doesn’t fit your plan.
- Connection – Often, serendipity happens when you’re in the right place—socially, intellectually, or emotionally—where ideas and people can collide.
You can’t control the first two, but you can influence the third. That’s where advance serendipity comes in.
How to Create Conditions for Serendipity
Here are practical ways to design your life so that serendipity is more likely to happen:
Diversify your experiences
- Read outside your field. Try a new hobby. Attend events you wouldn’t normally go to.
- The more varied your inputs, the more connections your brain can make—leading to unexpected insights.
Create space for randomness
- Limit screen time. Take walks without a destination. Let your mind wander.
- Research shows that boredom and daydreaming can spark creativity and insight—key ingredients for serendipity.
Build a “serendipity-friendly” routine
- Set aside time for exploration—like a monthly “curiosity hour” where you read, talk to strangers, or try something new.
- Keep a journal to track unexpected moments. What surprised you? What did you learn?
Cultivate a network of diverse people
- Connect with people who think differently than you. Join clubs, attend talks, or use platforms like Meetup.
- Diversity of thought increases the chance of meaningful collisions—ideas, perspectives, and opportunities.
Be open to detours
- When something unexpected happens—like a missed bus or a canceled meeting—ask: What if this leads somewhere good?
- Sometimes the best path isn’t the one you planned.
Use technology wisely
- Let algorithms surprise you. Follow a podcast you don’t know. Click on a “recommended” video.
- But be intentional—don’t let algorithms trap you in a bubble. Seek out the unfamiliar.
Real-World Examples of Advance Serendipity
- Alexander Fleming didn’t set out to discover penicillin—but he was curious, observant, and in the right lab environment. His preparedness allowed him to recognize the mold’s potential.
- Spencer Silver at 3M created a weak adhesive—but it was his colleague who saw its potential for Post-it Notes. That’s a classic case of connection and openness.
- The internet itself was born from a mix of military research, academic collaboration, and a few accidental breakthroughs in networking.
These weren’t just lucky accidents. They were the result of people who created conditions where innovation could happen.
The Limits of Serendipity
Not every surprise is a gift. Sometimes, chance leads to disappointment—missed opportunities, bad decisions, or emotional pain. But even those moments can be reframed. A failed project might lead to a new skill. A lost job might open the door to a better path.
And let’s be honest: not everyone has equal access to serendipity. Privilege, resources, and social networks play a role. But even within limitations, you can create space for surprise and growth by being intentional about your openness and curiosity.
Final Thought: Serendipity as a Practice
In a secular life, we don’t look to fate or destiny for meaning. We create it. And serendipity is one of the tools we can use to do that.
It’s not about waiting for luck. It’s about staying alert, curious, and open—so when the unexpected happens, you’re ready to see it, embrace it, and make it part of your journey.
Note: I created this is article using AI tools, then I edited and refined it to reflect my views and opinions. But it contains ideas and/or information that I’m not completely familiar with and haven’t independently verified so I suggest you do so before relying on it. Follow this link for more information on how I use AI tools on this site.