What are the Chances

Barbara Blatchley, a professor at Agnes Scott College (Georgia, USA), reveals how psychology and neuroscience explain the idea of luck.

The idea of luck has persisted in human consciousness through the ages, although it means different things to different people, generally combining random, unexpected events, preparation and one’s personality. In this book, Barbara Blatchley, a professor at Agnes Scott College (Georgia, USA), explores the psychology, neuroscience and cultural history of luck. “What are the Chances” discusses how people react to random events in a range of circumstances, examining the evidence that believing in luck helps us cope with a lack of control and impose order on chaos. In an enjoyable and informative way, the author also raises a question: in this world of flukes and coincidences, good and bad breaks, can our beliefs help change our luck? Those wondering why they’ve never managed to win the lottery should start here.