"Nothing happens quite by chance. It's a question of accretion of information and experience"

Life unfolds as a series of interconnected events, each shaped by the gradual gathering of knowledge and lived encounters. Rather than attributing outcomes to random chance, Jonas Salk underscores the significance of accumulation, a process whereby experiences and information gradually layer upon one another to form the fabric of understanding and circumstance.

Every action, decision, or moment is anchored in what has come before. Personal choices, for instance, rarely arise from a vacuum; they are informed by previous experiences, lessons learned, both consciously and through subconscious influence. Over time, these accumulated impressions direct our responses, perceptions, and the directions we pursue. Similarly, the progress of science, innovation, or any field of study is driven by a continuous build-up. Each new piece of data or observation broadens the foundation, collectively enabling breakthroughs that seem to appear suddenly, but are in fact the natural result of cumulative effort.

This perspective encourages not only a respect for the processes of learning and growth, but also patience and perseverance. Since outcomes are built incrementally, setbacks and failures become part of the essential fabric of eventual success; even missteps contribute information, sharpening future judgments and strategies. Moreover, recognizing the role of accretion cultivates an appreciation for both the journey and the destination. Each small encounter, conversation, or task has the potential to enrich one's base of knowledge, often in ways that only become clear much later.

Such a worldview favors intention and mindfulness, urging individuals to actively engage with their experiences, seek out learning opportunities, and contribute purposefully to their own development. When considered collectively, these practices diminish the sense of randomness or fate guiding life, replacing it with awareness that every moment, every fragment of knowledge, fits into a larger, evolving story, one authored through attentive, conscious accumulation.