What's Rarely Considered Rare But Happens More Often Than We Think

Have you ever had a moment where you were convinced that near death experiences, accidents, or rare events were much more rare than they actually are? Sometimes our perceptions can be skewed by the media, our own experiences, or by a general sense of disbelief. Let's explore a few common misconceptions and realities that many of us have encountered.

Near Death Experiences and Near Misses

Almost every person can recount a time when they narrowly avoided a life-threatening situation, whether it has been a near car crash, a slip that could have resulted in a major fall, or a close encounter with a dangerous individual. It is a common belief that such events are rare, but in reality, every one of us has experienced these 'close calls' on a fairly regular basis.

Example: How many times have you been in a near car crash? How many times have you nearly fallen down the stairs, off a ladder, or even off a roof? How many times have you irritated a dangerous person only to not see the expected confrontation? How many times have you narrowly avoided a serious illness or disease?

While we might not keep a close tally of these experiences, most people can acknowledge that they encounter such situations more frequently than they initially thought. Sometimes, a simple action or an unexpected interruption can alter the course of events, allowing us to avoid the very outcomes we feared. These events may be rare in terms of their consequences, but the number of near misses can be surprisingly high.

Key Insight: While common incidents can often feel rare, keeping track of these occurrences can help us better understand how often minor risks and accidents happen in our daily lives.

Misconceptions About Love and Loyalty in the Workplace

When it comes to relationships, people often make common mistakes, thinking they are unique or alone in their experiences. Here are two such examples:

Making Mistakes in Love

People fall in love knowing they don't have to, yet they still do. It's important to be aware that this is a common occurrence. The intensity of emotion and the clarity of desire can often cloud judgment, leading to relational decisions that might not be the best long-term choices.

Making Mistakes in the Workplace

Another common misbelief is that working hard and maintaining loyalty to an employer will guarantee rewards. Loyalty is a valuable trait, but it is not always rewarded. Many employees find themselves in situations where their hard work goes unnoticed, and they question whether their dedication is appreciated. Nonetheless, these experiences are common, and many individuals revisit them even after learning of the potential pitfalls.

Key Insight: Some of the most common human experiences, such as love and loyalty, can often be perceived as rare or unique, leading to misguided behavior and expectations. Understanding these commonalities can help individuals navigate relationships and professional environments more effectively.

Rarely Realized But Commonly Occurring Events

There are several events that are not as rare as we might believe:

Divorce

Divorce is a common occurrence, far more frequent than one might initially think. For instance, in my family, none of my nine brothers and sisters or their children had been divorced until it happened to me. Upon realizing that I was not the only one, it struck me that there are countless others out there who have experienced this reality as well. With millions of divorces occurring each year worldwide, it is a more common occurrence than we often believe.

Accidental Self-Inflicted Deaths

One might think that the risk of being murdered is much higher than accidentally killing oneself. However, statistics reveal that accidental suicide is more common than murder. While the media often focuses on dramatic and highly publicized cases of murder, the vast majority of accidental deaths result from self-inflicted injuries, such as drug overdoses, car accidents, or other unintentional incidents.

Plastic Pollution

Plastic, a material thought to be rare and uncommon, is actually pervasive in our environment. Even if you don't notice stacks of plastic on the side of the roads in your town, it is literally everywhere. I have traveled around the world, and every beach I visited has been covered in plastic, from the South Pacific to Alaska. Rafts of plastic, sometimes as large as Texas, float in our oceans, creating a massive ecological problem.

These plastic islands, often referred to as "garbage patches," are a significant environmental challenge. They are dangerous to marine life and are causing lasting pollution. Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic, are even more problematic. These particles are in almost every corner of the earth, from the food we eat to the water we drink to the soil we grow our food in. The long-term impact of these microplastics on the environment and human health is still unknown, but it is likely to be detrimental.

Key Insight: Our perceptions of common events and materials can often be inaccurate. Understanding the true rarity or frequency of these events can lead to better decision-making and a more accurate worldview.

For more related insights and discussions, explore further into the realms of human behavior and environmental impact. Understanding these common misconceptions can help individuals and society as a whole make more informed decisions.