“Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and the pulleys”

American science fiction and fantasy author Emma Bull wrote in the novel Bone Dance: A Fantasy for Technophiles (1991):
 
“Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and the pulleys.”
 
Bull’s explanation of “coincidence” has been frequently used by those discussing government, especially the deep state.
 
 
Wikipedia: Emma Bull
Emma Bull (born December 13, 1954) is an American science fiction and fantasy author. Her novels include the Hugo- and Nebula-nominated Bone Dance and the urban fantasy War for the Oaks. She is also known for a series of anthologies set in Liavek, a shared universe that she created with her husband Will Shetterly. As a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, she has been a member of the Minneapolis-based folk/rock bands Cats Laughing and The Flash Girls.
   
Google Books
A Pursuit of Furies
By Janice Davis Warnke
New York, NY: Random House
1966
Pg. 165:
“Coincidence is the word we use for patterns that we can’t ignore but feel are outside our power to control.”
   
Google Books
Bone Dance:
A Fantasy for Technophiles
By Emma Bull
New York, NY: Ace Books
1991
Pg. 22:
Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and the pulleys.
 
Google Books
Gifts from Spirit:
A Skeptic’s Path
By Dennis F. Augustine
Santa Fe, NM: Heartsfire Books; Charlottesville, VA: Distributed by Hampton Roads Pub.
1997
Pg. 244:
“Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and the pulleys.”
Richard Weaver
 
2 January 2010, Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT), “Coincidence—or is it just a ‘wink’ from above?,” pg. E1:
Let’s add to the thought by quoting Emma Bull: “Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and pulleys.”
   
Google Books
An Ordinary Girl’s Dialogue with God:
Contrary Action
By Wendy Alane Wright
Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse
2011
Pg. 42:
Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and pulleys.
Emma Bull
 
Vodka Mom
5/13/14
“Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and pulleys….”(Emma Bull) and ain’t it the truth.
 
Google Books
3000 Astounding Quotes
By James Egan
Lulu Publishing (Lulu.com)
2015
Pg. 130:
Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the levers and pulleys. - Emma Bull