1. Confirmation Bias: Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out and interpret information that supports existing beliefs while ignoring or discounting information that contradicts them. When someone holds a belief in fortune or fate, they may selectively pay attention to events that appear to align with this belief and dismiss those that don't fit the narrative. For instance, if they learn of a sudden death, they might interpret it as a tragic coincidence or "fate's cruel hand," disregarding other possible explanations.
2. Personalizing the Event: People may personalize events that have a personal impact, especially when faced with loss or tragedy. When someone learns about a loved one's death or encounters a significant event that coincides with a personal loss, they may perceive it as a sign or a "message from the universe" reinforcing their belief in fortune or fate.
3. Seeking Meaning and Control: In the face of uncertainty and grief, individuals may seek meaning to make sense of unpredictable life events. They might find solace in believing that death and other misfortunes happen due to external forces like fortune or fate, as it provides a sense of order in a chaotic world. This belief can give them a feeling of control and acceptance in the face of loss.
4. Cultural and Religious Influences: Cultural and religious beliefs can significantly influence how individuals respond to death and life events. Many cultures have beliefs in supernatural forces, predetermined destinies, or external powers influencing human lives. When individuals immerse themselves in these cultural or religious narratives, they may interpret death as part of a larger, predetermined plan or cosmic design, reinforcing their belief in fortune and fate.
5. Lack of Alternative Explanations: In some cases, when people encounter unexpected deaths or misfortunes, they may find insufficient logical or scientific explanations. This lack of clear understanding may lead them to turn to beliefs in fortune or fate to make sense of these events, filling the gaps left by unanswered questions.
6. Confirmation Through Ancestral Stories: Many cultures pass down stories about ancestors or legendary figures whose lives were intertwined with fortune or fate. These narratives can reinforce the concept of fate existing across generations and provide a sense of continuity and belonging in the face of loss.
7. Resilience and Acceptance: For some individuals, believing in fortune or fate can provide a way to cope with the emotions and challenges that follow death. It can help them find resilience in the face of loss, as they may interpret it as part of a larger plan or purpose that gives them a sense of acceptance and comfort.
It's important to note that not everyone who experiences death will reinforce their beliefs in fortune and fate. These responses can vary greatly depending on individual personality, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds.