An interesting book on the topic of chance and its impact not only on our lives but also on our very existence. As the title suggests, the author presents a series of fortunate events that led to the fact that we, as the people, are here on this planet today. Sean B. Carroll's main field of focus is evolutionary biology, therefore a substantial part of the book is devoted to biological aspects of human evolution the role of chance with respect to human DNA and effects of random mutations (but not only that). I guess that the main message of the book is that much more in our lives is the result of the blind chance or randomness than what we like to think. It is good to be reminded that just as well as our lives came to be, it could easily end up going the opposite direction subject to a blind chance (surprise surprise).

I liked the epilogue of the book which consisted of the author's fictious dialogue with some of the world's most well known scientists and comedians (making a point that scientists and comedians have very much in common). The conclusion of the epilogue, and also of the book in broader sense, was the notion that certain meaning of life, despite its random properties, could be found in creation, kindness toward the others and a good laugh. schovat popis