It becomes obvious that Lou Costello will never figure out who the players are in the classic vaudeville skit, “Who’s on First?” Is it a lack of communication on Bud Abbott’s part or the inability of Lou to be in control?

In a 1975 study by Ellen Langer titled “The Illusion of Control” she examines the level of influence we exert over life’s events. “We overestimate our degree of control in most situations. Reality nearly always shatters our illusion.”

“Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief, doctor, lawyer, Indian chief” as the chant goes, is evidence that we are pulled in many directions and...