Why Things Happen in Threes: Myth or Reality
Have you ever noticed that things tend to happen in threes? From funny coincidences to more serious events, this phenomenon has sparked curiosity and debate among people. In this article, we will explore the origins of the belief that things happen in threes, its connection to the 27 Club, and the scientific explanations behind this superstition.
Understanding the Superstition
The belief that things happen in threes, particularly bad things, is not a recent invention. It has its roots in the Middle Ages and even earlier, in Classical Greco-Roman times. The superstition is known as triaphilia or more generally as apophenia.
Apophenia refers to the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated events. This tendency is a product of the human brain's ability to identify patterns, which is a critical survival and success strategy. The rule of three is significant because it takes three points to establish a pattern, as opposed to two, which only establishes a line that is not a pattern.
The Origin of the Belief
The belief in threes is closely linked to the 27 Club, a group of notable rock stars who died at the age of 27. The members include Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison. However, the 27 Club also includes Brian Jones, who died before the others. Does this mean that the belief is a myth, or is it just a coincidence?
According to historical records, Janis and Jimi died within a few weeks of each other in 1970. Jimi died on September 18, and Janis passed away on October 4. Jim Morrison died on July 3, 1971, which was exactly two years to the day from Brian Jones' death. This proximity of dates led to the formation of the 27 Club and prompted the identification of additional members, including Robert Johnson, Alan Wilson of Canned Heat, and Pigpen McKernan of the Grateful Dead. Later, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse were added to the list.
It is crucial to note that there is no statistical support for the coincidence of deaths at age 27 or any other age. The belief in the 27 Club is more of a modern interpretation of a pattern rather than a statistically significant occurrence.
Confirmation Bias and Triaphilia
The rule of three is often reinforced by confirmation bias, the tendency to seek out and accept data that supports our assumptions while rejecting or ignoring data that does not.
For example, the concept of things happening in threes can be applied to various scenarios, from funny coincidences to more serious events. In psychology, the rule of three is often used to explain why people may perceive patterns that are not actually there. The brain often sees connections where there are none, and a third event can help solidify this perception.
The Modern Version of the Rule of Three
The celebrity death pattern of threes is a very modern version of the idea of things happening in threes. While the concept has been around for centuries, the idea of a '27 Club' is a more recent phenomenon.
The rule of three has many variants, such as the Latin phrase "omne trium perfectum," which translates to "everything that comes in threes is perfect." This idea has been applied to various fields, including psychology, marketing, and storytelling, where the rule of three is used to create a sense of balance and harmony.
In conclusion, while things may seem to happen in threes, it is essential to recognize that this belief is often a product of our brain's tendency to seek patterns and our proclivity to accept data that supports our assumptions. The 27 Club is a modern interpretation of this ancient belief, and while it is intriguing, it is not supported by statistical evidence.
References:
The Middle Ages and Classical Greco-Roman times.
Confirmation bias and human psychology.