The Science of Randomness

A physicist and science writer takes the reader on a journey from physics and biology to psychology in search of the nature of chance.

Chance plays a greater role in our lives than most of us suspect--or can accept. Though we like to imagine that we are in control, science says otherwise. This witty, informative introduction to the unnerving power of chance explores the randomness at the core of reality and discusses its profound implications.

Physicist and science journalist Florian Aigner helps us to understand a key scientific paradox: On the one hand science uses precise mathematical formulae to reliably explain the natural world, but on the other it can neither predict nor plan the future. In a very readable, humorous approach, the author uses entertaining stories from Schrödinger's cat and Skinner's pigeons to superstitious baseball players and the weirdest game of monopoly ever played. All of which demonstrate the role that chance plays in sickness and health, failure and success, elementary particles, the human genome, the weather, and psychology.

Understanding how randomness works and the law of large numbers may increase our chances of success. But in the end, the author says, we would all be a lot happier by accepting that the future just cannot be perfectly planned. His advice? Press play and enjoy the ride.