Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
(Hardback)
Available Formats
Paperback
Published: 30th January 2024
Hardback
Published: 1st February 2024
Paperback
Published: 8th April 2025
Publishing Details
Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
By (Author) Dr Brian Klaas
John Murray Press
John Murray Publishers Ltd
1st February 2024
1st February 2024
United Kingdom
Classifications
General
Non Fiction
Social theory
Cognitive studies
123.3
Physical Properties
Hardback
336
Width 160mm, Height 238mm, Spine 34mm
560g
Description
'Consistently gripping - dazzling in its sweep and thrillingly brain-twisting in its arguments' Tom Holland
A provocative new vision of how our world really works - and why chance determines everything. In Fluke, myth-shattering social scientist Brian Klaas deep-dives into the phenomenon of randomness, unpicking our neat and tidy storybook version of events to reveal a reality far wilder and more fascinating than we have dared to consider. The bewildering truth is that but for a few incidental changes, our lives - and our societies - would be radically different. Offering an entirely new perspective, Fluke explores how our world really works, driven by strange interactions and random events. How much difference does our decision to hit the snooze button make Did one couple's vacation really change the course of the twentieth century What are the smallest accidents that have tilted the course of history itself The mind-bending lessons of this phenomenon challenge our beliefs about the very workings of the world. From the evolution of human biology and natural disasters to the impact of global events on supply chain disruptions, every detail matters because of the web of connectivity that envelops us. So what if, by exploding our illusion of control, we can make better decisions and live happy, fulfilling livesReviews
Consistently gripping - dazzling in its sweep and thrillingly brain-twisting in its argument -- Tom Holland, author of RUBICON and PERSIAN FIRE
Drawing on many disciplines, this fascinating book explores the combination of chaos and order that governs our lives and probes the deep question of whether we truly have free will -- Mervyn King, co-author of RADICAL UNCERTAINTY and former Governor of the Bank of England
A brilliant meditation on the eternal clash between chaos and order, and determinism and freedom. Klaas grapples with some of the most difficult, mind-bending questions of our time - or any time - [and] makes these heady topics a blast to read -- Scott Patterson, New York Times bestselling author of CHAOS KINGS and THE QUANTS
Klaas expertly weaves riveting stories about real people, posing deep questions with uncertain answers. Self-exploration is a journey into the unknown, and Klaas is a genial guide -- Donald D. Hoffman, author of THE CASE AGAINST REALITY
Klaas explores how seemingly inconsequential actions have life-changing consequences. This utterly captivating book will make you rethink everything you have ever done -- Sabine Hossenfelder, physicist and New York Times bestselling author of EXISTENTIAL PHYSICS
Author Bio
Brian Klaas grew up in Minnesota, earned his DPhil at Oxford, and is now a professor of global politics at University College London. He is a contributing writer for The Atlantic, host of the award-winning Power Corrupts podcast, and frequent guest on national television. Klaas has conducted field research across the globe and advised major politicians and organizations including NATO and the European Union.
