If you've ever experienced the
frustration of missing a train or a plane, it might seem like an inconvenient
headache. However, according to the "burnt toast theory," that
setback could actually be the twist of fate you needed in your day.
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| People online have been using "burnt toast theory" to make sense out of life's chaos |
The burnt toast theory has gained popularity as a catchphrase describing how minor inconveniences can turn out to be beneficial in the long run. As explained by TikToker @Offthe__grid, who popularized the term, Burnt toast theory is the idea that if you burn your toast before work and it adds 5 to 10 minutes to your trip, it's actually saving you from something catastrophic.
"Maybe saving you from a car accident, maybe saving me from someone who
you don't want to run into. But this is the idea that inconveniences in our
lives, or when something releases us in the universe, it's either saving us
from something more detrimental or pushing us in the direction that we need to
go in," the TikToker stated in her video.
Recently, people online have
applied the burnt toast theory to the Boeing 737 Max 9 incident, where a cabin
panel was ripped off midair during an Alaska Airlines flight, necessitating an
emergency landing. Out of the 171 available seats, only seven were unoccupied,
and by chance, two of those were the seats next to the detached door plug.
The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board emphasized the fortunate outcome, stating, "We are very, very fortunate here that this didn't end up in something more tragic. No one was seated in 26A and 26B where that door plug is."
Although the airline asserted that
nobody was assigned to those seats next to the hole, online speculation
suggests that it's not just luck that passengers were absent—it's the burnt
toast theory at play.
For adherents of the burnt toast
theory, it offers a way to find greater meaning in seemingly insignificant
moments and serves as a reminder that life's detours are integral to the
journey—perhaps even a blessing in disguise.
"In my work as a therapist, a significant focus is on helping
individuals find strategies and tools to cope with adversity," noted
licensed psychologist Lisette Sanchez. "The burnt toast theory can assist individuals in better coping with
emotionally distressing situations."
A TikToker applying the burnt toast theory to her dating life expressed that with this perspective, if "somebody ghosts you, great. They've spared you from their inability to communicate."
What makes the burnt toast theory so attractive?
Licensed clinical and school
psychologist Han Ren suggests that the burnt toast theory can serve as a way
for individuals to assert control over their experiences and make sense of
seemingly senseless or coincidental events.
Ren acknowledges that while she
cannot confirm the validity of this particular theory, she firmly believes in
the existence of unexplained phenomena beyond the grasp of our brains.
On the other hand, licensed psychologist Lisette Sanchez proposes that the theory might be describing a common cognitive concept known as hindsight bias. This bias involves the tendency for people to believe that a past event was more predictable than it actually was, leading to a sense of reassurance that they knew what would happen when an unexpected event occurred.
To determine its actual usefulness
in your life, observe how the burnt toast theory functions for you. Does it
contribute to a sense of hopefulness about the broader picture of your life? If
so, that can be a positive aspect.
Licensed clinical and school
psychologist Han Ren emphasizes the healing potential in cultivating wonder,
awe, and possibility, citing them as major components in psychedelic-assisted
therapies.
If the burnt toast theory aids you
in fostering patience, understanding, acceptance, and ease when faced with
life's inevitable irritations, it can indeed be a positive influence on your
overall well-being, according to Ren. She notes that energy is finite, and
consistently struggling to let go of minor annoyances wastes precious energy
that could be better spent in more meaningful ways.
"So if the burnt toast theory allows you to release and show grace to yourself and others during mishaps, then that's a net positive," Ren added.
The Downside Of The Burnt Toast
Theory
Psychologist and executive coach
Lauren Appio expressed her hesitation about disapproving of others'
perspectives but likened the burnt toast theory to a more sophisticated version
of "Everything happens for a reason."
She pointed out that this phrase can embody "toxic positivity," where individuals are pressured to feel
gratitude and suppress emotions regarding daily or significant frustrations and
losses.
Appio highlighted that platitudes like these can be invalidating and hurtful, especially when the "reason" is not apparent, such as during a senseless loss. They can also rush people through uncomfortable emotions like grief, anger, or shame.
Placing excessive emphasis on the
burnt toast theory might lead one to believe that things merely happen, and
they have no control over their circumstances, according to licensed
psychologist Lisette Sanchez. Relying too heavily on external forces for
success or failure may diminish the recognition of one's agency in the
situation.
Licensed clinical and school psychologist
Han Ren points out a concern with the misguided use of "the spiritual woo" when it serves
as a way to avoid a necessary and closer examination of privilege, oppression,
and systemic factors.
Ren emphasizes that while "burnt toast" might be credited for landing a dream job, it's essential to acknowledge the potential roles of privilege, network, and opportunities that could have led to the same outcome.
In essence, Ren advises against
adopting "burnt toast theory"
as a universal belief to explain or excuse larger societal problems. She
suggests leaning into it for personal patience and equanimity but urges caution
against using it or any spiritual practice as a crutch or excuse.
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