Visiting the past would be akin to visiting a foreign country; the people speak in different tongues, dress in unfamiliar garbs, and behave in an alien manner. Just like visiting a foreign country, seemingly universal truths would get shattered upon impact. Our imaginations often prove incapable of fully grasping the all-encompassing cultural aspects that are present in a foreign country. Throughout this book, you will be guided through a foreign past to see how our modern world has been shaped by the often-unpredictable whims of fate, chance occurrences and downright luck. In each chapter, you will travel to a new region and time period, being globally guided through eras ranging from European antiquity to twentieth-century Japan. It is often said that one only appreciates home after having been abroad. By the same token, you will increase your understanding and appreciation for the present after having delved into The Unpredictable Past.