Compass

In case you are wondering, no; this is not an autobiography of actor Cillian Murphy. It is about an understanding, oftentimes ominous and foreboding.

Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. It is an ultimate maxim that guides people to be more pessimistic. You can think of this so-called law as an antonym of placebo effect (placebo effect refers to the positive results one receives while believing they have received a treatment -when in fact, what they had was a sham). But here’s the thing: it is NOT a law as a means of unbreakable social norms. It is a widely spread social bias that became predominant in human minds.

Murphy’s Miscellaneous Laws:

1. Murphy’s Military Laws
   • Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than you are.
2. Murphy’s Technology Laws
   • Logic is a systematic method of coming to the wrong conclusion with confidence.
3. Murphy’s Laws of Love
   • If it seems to good to be true, it probably is.
4. Quantization of Revision of Murphy’s Laws
   • Everything goes wrong all at once.

Examples:

1. The day of the math test -no calculator in your backpack.
2. The day of school field trip -your alarm is set at seven in the afternoon.
3. No volleyball shoes on the league final.
4. Spilling water on your laptop right before the SAT.

Think of it as a punch life throws at you when you are least ready. For students, Murphy’s law is an omen that usually leads to a bad test result. Well, the only advice I can give to you is to study so much that there is no room for apprehension. If you are not that kind of person, just be confident and unwavering, and don’t let Murphy jinx you.

I have recently watched the movie “Interstellar”. It explores the surreal and cryptic phenomenon in space regarding science and space. During the movie, Cooper tells Murphy, his daughter, “Murphy’s Law doesn’t mean that something bad will happen. What it means is whatever can happen will happen”. It is merely a name people put into to attribute itself to the bad happenings in people’s lives -mitigating themselves from being responsible for their own slip-ups. Murphy’s Law is a constant reminder that life is full of dynamics and ups and downs that shape the preciousness more precious. So, the next time Murphy lands a punch on you, just tell yourself “very interesting” with a wry face, and remind yourself that Murphy has no specific grudge on you.