

We control nothing, but we influence everything | Brian Klaas: Full Interview
16 snips Jul 18, 2025
Brian Klaas, an Associate Professor in Global Politics at UCL and an author, delves into the role of chance and chaos in our lives. He shares fascinating examples of how small, random events can pivot history, like the unexpected outcomes of WWII. Klaas discusses the illusion of control and the importance of embracing uncertainty. He also explores free will's complexities and how luck significantly influences wealth, challenging the myth of meritocracy. Finally, he investigates the psychology behind conspiracy theories and why they thrive in modern society.
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Vacation Changed History
- A 19-year-old vacation influenced the US decision to spare Kyoto from atomic bombing.
- A cloud passing over Kokura redirected the second bomb to Nagasaki, showing how tiny events shape history.
9/11 Tie Shifted Fate
- Joe Lott survived 9/11 due to a random act of kindness involving a tie.
- This split second event cost Elaine Greenberg her life but saved Joe's, illustrating life's contingency.
Control vs Influence
- We control nothing but influence everything, contradicting the illusion of control.
- Accepting randomness helps avoid cognitive mistakes and better understand life’s messiness.