In July 2002, a Russian airliner’s computer-guidance system instructed its pilot to ascend as another jet approached in the sky over Switzerland. At the same time, a Swiss air-traffic controller—whose computerized system was down—offered a human judgment: descend. Faced with conflicting advice, the pilot’s intuitive response was to trust another human’s intuition. Tragically, the two planes collided midair, killing everyone on board. “Nobody can dictate my behavior,” said Diana, Princess of Wales, in her last interview before her fatal accident. “I work through instinct, and instinct is my best counselor.” Vibes, instincts, karma, intuition, and such, guide many a person. Where do they come from, where are they going, what happens when their guidance fails, to what degree are their methods reliable? Some quotes to start: “The first principle,” said Einstein’s fellow physicist, Richard Feynman, “is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool.” “I…