This book looks at life (and death) on Earth and beyond in terms of probability: from the odds against being born in the first place, to the odds against dying a natural death, plus the chances of everything that might happen in-between: becoming a successful sportsman, a millionaire, the President of the United States, or just spending your life getting struck by lightning. From the unluckiest human being to the most blessed, this is an amusing and amazing reminder of what each one of us faces in life, and a pointer as to whether we are likely to see our hopes come true or are more likely to have our worst fears realized. "What Are the Odds "lets you see how it all stacks up.""It tells the stories of those who have defied the odds, and looks ahead at the chances of things to come: a monkey writing the complete works of Shakespeare, a human landing on Mars, or maybe even discovering intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. Everything may not be possible - but there is a probability for everything.Attractively illustrated throughout.