Mark Rank, Professor of Sociology at Washington University, discusses how chance and randomness profoundly impact our lives and shape history. Mark dives into the example of Buddy Holly and Richie Valens' tragic plane crash, where a coin flip determined who would be on the plane. He also explores the Cuban Missile Crisis, where a sailor’s foot getting stuck on a ladder narrowly averted nuclear disaster. Through personal anecdotes and historical examples, Mark emphasizes how luck and chance are woven into the fabric of life, urging us to remain humble and ready for random opportunities. His book, The Random Factor, delves deeper into these themes, challenging readers to appreciate life’s unpredictability and the role of chance in both personal and global events.