The idea that misfortunes often come in clusters suggests that when one problem arises, it can trigger a chain reaction of additional issues. This phenomenon reflects a well-known saying that misfortunes seldom occur in isolation. The observation highlights the interconnectedness of challenges we face in life, where a single negative event can snowball into further difficulties.

In his book "The Lost World," Michael Crichton explores this theory of complexity, emphasizing that such patterns are evident in the real world. By illustrating how challenges compound upon each other, Crichton underscores the nature of adversity, suggesting that it is common for bad situations to escalate rather than resolve independently.