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Poet Richard Price joined Aleks in the London Library to talk about serendipty of influence and inspiration in the creative process.

Website for Richard Price:

While taking her Serendipity engine for a walk Aleks ran into scholar of Persian poetry Narguess Farzadh, reading from听the Divan-E-Hafez. This collection of romantic听verse by the 14th century Shiraz poet Hafez is an essential part of Iranian culture. Whenever they need听guidance in making a decision the Divan is opened at random and the poem on the page听is sure to inspire the reader to right course of action.

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You can even seek Hafez's advice online:

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In search of connections Aleks visits with the master science historian and legendary broadcaster James Burke. Can he advise Aleks on what she needs to build a serendipity engine?

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The website for James's knowledge web:

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After repeated attempts to phone him Richard Wiseman finally gets back to Aleks with the difference between serendipity and luck and what sort of person makes the most of both.

Richards's Website:

Aleks's final encounter in her quest for a happy accident is with researcher and performer Phil Smith aka Crab Man, aka Mythogeography. He shows her how you need to sensitise yourself to connections if you're to encounter serendipity.

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Enter the strange world of mis-guided walks and counter-tourism at Phil's website:

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Enroute to a happy accident Aleks spoke to Matt Kingdon about听his book The听Science of Serendipity. 听Matt is听a partner at Whatif where he helps companies use serendipity to innovate in business.

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More details about Matt and his book at:

Here's an excellent article we found while researching serendipity. Its by Richard Boyle the Oxford English Dictionary's advisor on Sri Lankan derived words. Thanks to Richard for his advice on the subject.