Murphy’s Law, Kindlin’s Rule, Gilbert’s Principle, Wilson’s Law, and Falkland’s Rule all represent a humorous yet pensive take on the inevitabilities of life. Each of these adages offers a unique perspective on the quirks of fate and human experience, reflecting a blend of cynicism and realism that has appealed to many.
Murphy’s Law states, Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. This law, attributed to aerospace engineer Edward A. Murphy, Jr., is the most famous of these principles. It emerged during an experiment in 1949 when a device was installed incorrectly, leading Murphy to remark about the potential for errors. This principle has since become a fundamental axiom in engineering, risk assessment, and a general commentary on the propensity for unfortunate events to occur.
Kindlin’s Rule, while less known, operates on a similar wavelength: The probability of a young man meeting a desirable and receptive young woman increases by pyramidal progression when he is already in the company of (1) a date, (2) his wife, and/or (3) a better-looking and richer male friend. This humorous observation touches on the complexities of social and romantic interactions, suggesting that desire and availability might not align according to one’s wishes.
Gilbert’s Principle offers a more esoteric insight: In any scientific or engineering endeavour, anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible moment, in the worst possible way. This principle can be seen as an extension of Murphy’s Law, emphasizing the untimely and exacerbating nature of mishaps in technical fields.
Wilson’s Law has a more economic bent, stating, If a situation requires undivided attention, it will occur simultaneously with a compelling distraction. This law humorously captures the dilemma many faces in multi-tasking environments, where the need for focus is often at odds with the emergence of distractions.
Lastly, Falkland’s Rule says, when it is not necessary to make a decision, it is necessary not to make a decision. This aphorism, attributed to Lucius Cary, 2nd Viscount Falkland, highlights the value of restraint in decision-making. In an age where action is often prized, Falkland’s Rule invites reflection on the merits of inaction under uncertainty.
Together, these adages not only amuse but also offer deeper wisdom on the ironies and complexities of life. They remind us that despite our best efforts, the universe has its plans, often unfolding in ironically inconvenient ways.
Josep Ma Romances, President and Founder of Closa Capital.
