In a world increasingly driven by algorithms, targeted advertising, and curated social media feeds, it can feel like genuine surprises and meaningful connections are becoming rarer.

This is where the concept of “incidentalseventy” emerges, offering a refreshing antidote to the predictability and isolation of our hyper-connected lives.

What is Incidentalseventy?

The term “incidentalseventy” was coined by writer and strategist Stowe Boyd to describe the unexpected discoveries and connections we can make when we step outside our usual digital bubbles.

The number “seventy” is arbitrary, representing a percentage of encounters or information that falls outside our planned or predictable experiences.

Incidentalseventy is about embracing the serendipitous moments that arise when we allow ourselves to be open to the unexpected. It’s about stumbling upon a fascinating article outside our typical areas of interest, striking up

a conversation with a stranger at a coffee shop, or taking a detour down an unfamiliar street and discovering a hidden gem.

Why Incidentalseventy Matters?

In a digital landscape that often narrows our focus and reinforces our existing biases, incidentalseventy has several crucial benefits:

• Expanding Horizons: Stepping outside our comfort zones exposes us to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences that can broaden our worldview and challenge our preconceptions.
• Fostering Creativity: Serendipitous encounters and discoveries can provide fresh inspiration, sparking new connections and innovative solutions to problems.
• Enhancing Personal Growth: By embracing the unexpected, we learn to be more adaptable, open-minded, and resilient in the face of change.
• Building Community: Chance encounters can lead to lasting friendships, collaborations, or a deeper sense of connection to our surroundings.
• Sparking Joy: There’s a certain thrill in the unexpected – a sense of wonder and possibility that can add a touch of magic to our everyday lives.

Cultivating Incidentalseventy in a Digital World

While the digital world can sometimes limit serendipity, it also offers tools to help us deliberately cultivate more incidentalseventy in our lives. Here are a few strategies:

• Break the Algorithm: Venture outside your curated social media feeds. Explore random Wikipedia articles, follow “suggested” accounts on different platforms, or attend events related to topics outside your usual sphere.
• Engage in “Digital Flânerie”: The concept of the flâneur – a leisurely urban stroller observing the world – can be applied digitally. Browse websites without a specific goal, click on unfamiliar links, or explore online communities centered around new interests.
• Embrace “Weak Ties”: Research suggests that the loose connections outside our close social circles are often the most valuable sources of new information and opportunities. Reach out to an old acquaintance, attend a networking event in a different field, or strike up conversations with people you might not normally interact with.
• Get Lost on Purpose: Take a walk without a destination, explore a new neighborhood, or change up your usual commute and see where it leads you.
• Prioritize Offline Experiences: Make time for activities that involve face-to-face interaction – join a hobby group, volunteer, or simply spend time in public spaces where chance encounters are more likely.

Examples of Incidentalseventy in Action

Incidentalseventy is at work all around us, driving innovation and enriching lives in countless ways:

• The Post-it Note: This ubiquitous office supply was born of a failed adhesive experiment, but a serendipitous connection led to its iconic use.
• Scientific Discoveries: Many breakthroughs, from penicillin to radioactivity, resulted from accidental observations or unexpected outcomes.
• Cross-Cultural Collaborations: Chance meetings at conferences or travel mishaps have led to countless creative partnerships and unique projects.
• Finding Your Passion: Sometimes, a chance encounter or an unplanned detour sparks a lifelong interest or career change.

The Beauty of the Unpredictable

In an age obsessed with optimization and efficiency, incidentalseventy reminds us of the value of embracing the unknown.

By allowing ourselves a little room for randomness, we open ourselves up to the possibility of growth, inspiration, and the kind of delightful surprises that make life truly worth living.

Let’s not become so tethered to our digital devices and curated lives that we miss out on the serendipity waiting right around the corner.

Incidentalseventy is an invitation to rediscover the joy of the unexpected and to tap into the transformative power of chance encounters.