Correlation is not causation. That was the first lesson of Statistics 101. Just because some events tend to happen at the same time doesn't mean that one is causing the other or that they are even related unless we want them to be.
Because the mind is the most powerful thing, and what the mind believes it proves. I think that most of the time, we are just fulfilling our own expectations without even noticing.
Say, for example, that someone you know writes a weekly newsletter, a brilliant one with witty and insightful bite-sized stories and funny animal pictures and apt music pairings for all of these. And suppose said writer wanted to get more people to read this newsletter but didn't believe that would really ever happen.
Would that (completely random) person ask you to forward her newsletter to someone else who might like it?
Would she suggest that you click in the upper right corner of this email and then choose Forward and then type in the addresses of the people you know who also appreciate MICRO FICTION about those who throw pigs for fun and show and are not from Barstow?
No, this made-up, pulled-from-thin-air person would never do that because that wouldn't prove the belief that her newsletter will forever stay small and undiscovered by the masses.
Fortunately, that's not me. I am not afraid to ask you if you would mind forwarding the newsletter to your friends (and foes). Then you can all enjoy this week's installment of semi-connected stories.
I am always grateful for and honored by your subscription. Thank you!
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