The Science of Luck is an evidence-based textbook that treats luck as a measurable, engineerable, and ethically complex phenomenon rather than mere superstition. Drawing on probability theory, behavioral economics, network science, and psychology, this book provides a rigorous framework for understanding chance and opportunity.
You'll explore the mathematics of chance (probability, regression to the mean, survivorship bias, expected value), the psychology of luck (personality traits, locus of control, positive expectation, resilience), and the network science of social luck (weak ties, small-world networks, social capital, gatekeepers). The book then moves into practical territory with serendipity engineering, opportunity recognition, and career luck strategies.
Designed for teens and college students, this textbook combines scientific rigor with engaging examples and actionable exercises. Four recurring characters navigate real-world scenarios that illustrate how statistical thinking, network building, and deliberate curiosity can expand your opportunity surface and create more favorable outcomes.