Burnt toast theory
The burnt toast theory is a mindset and parable that suggests that minor time-consuming inconveniences, such as burning and remaking toast before traveling to work, could avoid greater harm or lead to other positive outcomes.
The burnt toast theory provides an explanation for minor inconveniences, saying the time lost because of them leads to better overall events. The primary example (and namesake) used in explaining this idea is that burning and remaking toast in the morning could delay a person's drive to work enough to avoid their involvement in a traffic collision.[1][2] Another example is that waiting additional time at a coffee shop could cause a person to meet someone who would later make a significant impact on their life, such as a new friend or career connection.[3]
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 "Monday morning thoughts..." by Ingrid (@offthe__grid) via TikTok |
The topic has notably been popularized by users of TikTok.[4] In January 2024, users online related the theory to the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 accident that month, where the two seats next to a door plug were unoccupied, supposedly because those passengers were late for their flight.[5]
The burnt toast theory has received mixed reception, with proponents calling it a reminder to appreciate the insignificance of minor annoyances.[6] Some have also said the theory promotes a growth mindset, encouraging people to view difficulties as opportunities for improvement.[7] Conversely, some have seen the burnt toast theory as a modern trend of toxic positivity, the idea that people should remain happy even in traumatic situations.[4]
See also
- Butterfly effect – Idea that small causes can have large effects
- Principle of sufficient reason – Everything has a cause; an axiom
- The old man lost his horse – Ancient Chinese proverb
References
- ^ Bakshi, Pema (September 7, 2023). "Lessons From The Algorithm: What We Could All Learn From TikTok's 'Burnt Toast Theory'". Grazia. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ DeGering, Nicea (February 13, 2024). "How burnt toast can actually help you shift your mindset". KTVX. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ Berry, Shaeden (January 16, 2024). "TikTok's Burnt Toast Theory Is All About Embracing Life's Frustrations". Refinery29. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ a b Gifford, Bonnie Evie (February 4, 2024). "What is burnt toast theory and how can it help us reframe life's inconveniences?". Happiful. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ Torres, Monica (January 18, 2024). "Could The Viral 'Burnt Toast Theory' Explain Why Bad Things Happen To You?". HuffPost. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ Spranklen, Annabelle (September 5, 2023). "What is TikTok's burnt toast theory that everyone is living their life by?". Glamour. Condé Nast. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
- ^ "What is TikTok's 'burnt toast theory', and why you must embrace it?". The Indian Express. New Delhi. January 6, 2024. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
External links
The dictionary definition of burnt toast theory at Wiktionary
