Does Everything Happen for a Reason?

Download Article
An informed and balanced look at a common phrase
Download Article

People throw around the phrase “everything happens for a reason” when times get tough, but how true is it? Is the universe a fundamentally complicated and chaotic place or is there a rhyme and reason to everything that happens in our world? There are so many different ways of thinking about these complex questions that’s it understandable if you aren’t automatically on board with one set of answers. In this article, we’ll walk you through the arguments and perspectives on each side.

Section 1 of 4:

Does everything happen for a reason?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is one of those really complicated topics with no clear-cut objective answer, and a lot of this comes down to your beliefs about the universe and your understanding of the phrase. Does it mean “everything in your past has made you who you are today,” or “God is in charge of everything that happens to me,” for example? It all depends on your interpretation. [1]
    • For many people, "fate" can help make sense of painful events. In tough times, some feel a sense of calm because they can feel that their pain serves a greater purpose, and that's a comforting thought.
    • Some people use this phrase to explain occurrences that otherwise have no explanation. They feel like they obviously can’t understand everything, but sense a deeper cause or design to things.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Why People Believe Everything Happens for a Reason

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re religious or you believe in destiny , you likely believe that forces greater than yourself are in charge of things. Either God is in charge, and He knows everything that’s going to happen, or the universe has plans for you that you can’t understand. Perhaps trials and tribulations are designed to test your faith, or maybe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that God wants you to see for its all glory. [2]
    • If you believe God is omnipotent and that God doesn’t allow life to develop chaotically, then everything must happen for a reason!
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d4\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    They think anything can be a learning experience if you have a growth mindset . If you really think about it, everything can make you stronger depending on how you orient your thinking. If you can find even one productive takeaway from a trauma, mistake, or random source of pain, then everything has value. [3]
    • For example, if you randomly lose your job, maybe it brings you back to the drawing board and reconnect with your original career goals? Maybe this is the motivation you ultimately need to go back to school? There’s always a bright light at the end of the tunnel.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Perhaps everything happens for a reason in the sense that whatever trouble or pain you run into is just toughening you up for the future. Friction sharpens even the dullest stones, and you don’t toughen up when things always go your way. Perhaps success is just the universe’s way of rewarding you for hard work and failure is the universe’s way of making you more resilient for the future. [4]
    • It’s easy to get down when bad things happen, but if you look at difficulties in life as something that helps you learn how to handle them, you’re just going to get tougher and tougher over time!
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There are no phenomena in the known universe that violate the principles of cause and effect. Newton’s third law of motion dictates that for every action there is a reaction. If you drop a ball, it hits the floor. In this sense, everything does happen for a reason. [5]
    • If the laws of cause and effect are responsible for all observable events in the real world, why wouldn’t it apply to things we can’t see or understand entirely?
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Why People Don’t Believe Everything Happens for a Reason

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Nobody can prove that there is some metaphysical architect or mysterious force setting the events of the world into motion. While the laws of motion certainly exist when it comes to causality, there’s no indication that there’s anything outside of that pulling the strings. While everybody has their own beliefs, you could make this argument convincingly. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Every single day, there are people randomly hit by drunk drivers, lottery tickets that make millionaires despite the incredible odds, and bugs that develop in otherwise perfect pieces of code. Things just sort of happen sometimes, and there doesn’t appear to be much rhyme or reason to them. [7]
    • Sometimes, bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people and there isn’t much you can say about it when it comes to greater lessons about life or deeper meanings.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you write off random troubles or obstacles as something happening for a reason outside of your control, you may accidentally be letting yourself off of the hook when you should be holding yourself accountable. For some people, “everything happens for a reason” is a crutch, and if that line of thinking isn’t making your life better or more productive, it may not be a good way to think about things. [8]
    • This doesn’t mean that you have to go through life forcing yourself to take responsibility for all pain you experience—just that you may want to avoid writing off your power.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Everybody suffers at some point or another. Whether we like it or not, none of us are going to be here forever. If that part of life is universal, then maybe there’s nothing meaningful in it? Maybe it’s just part of the human condition? If you take this perspective, then it’s hard to assign any kind of meaning to it. [9]
    • Even if you are a religious person, that doesn’t mean you have to believe a higher power is singularly responsible for every minor pain in life. If people have free will, then they have the free will to hurt one another, after all.
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

So should I believe everything happens for a reason?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Does-Everything-Happen-for-a-Reason-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You should believe in some things because they’re objectively true. A triangle will always have 3 sides and there’s not much debate there. Other things are a matter of personal perspective and intuition. If believing in a higher power or that “everything happens for a reason” makes you a better version of yourself, then believe it. [10]
    • Some people find comfort in the fact that every obstacle has value and importance. Some people find the notion upsetting and needlessly mysterious. Everyone has their own truth, and that’s 100% okay.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      Left Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching
      How to
      Get Rid of Demons
      How to Escape the Matrix and Become Your Own Person
      What Does It Mean to Dream about the Same Person? 9 Interpretations
      Cancer Moon 101
      The Difference Between a Church, Chapel, Cathedral, & Basilica
      Are You an Earth Angel? 18 Signs + 8 Archetypes
      A Guide to Yellow Candles: Benefits, Spells, & More
      15 Unmistakable Signs That Your Twin Flame is Thinking About You
      What Does the Number 333 Mean From God?
      Lutheranism vs Roman Catholicism: Similarities & Differences
      What Does the Tree of Life Symbolize?
      What Do Deer Symbolize Spiritually?
      How to
      Argue That God Does Not Exist
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://theapeiron.co.uk/what-do-you-mean-everything-happens-for-a-reason-4cdbacba08a5
      2. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210301-how-physics-could-prove-god-exists
      3. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/obstacles-are-opportunities-use-them-to-take-your-business/395155
      4. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/obstacles-are-opportunities-use-them-to-take-your-business/395155
      5. ↑ https://www.newscientist.com/definition/causality/
      6. ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/in-their-own-words-how-americans-explain-why-bad-things-happen/
      7. ↑ https://modernloss.com/everything-happens-for-a-reason-is-not-a-thing/
      8. ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/in-their-own-words-how-americans-explain-why-bad-things-happen/
      9. ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/in-their-own-words-how-americans-explain-why-bad-things-happen/
      1. ↑ https://srcd.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cdev.12312

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 22,816 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement