Compares the thought processes and actions of survivors and nonsurvivors in deadly situations, presenting case studies and discussing neurological and psychological research and ancient texts on survival; and lists twelve steps most survivors take in life-and-death situations as well as trying situations in everyday life.

Look out, here comes Ray Charles -- Memories of the future -- A map of the world -- A gorilla in our midst -- The anatomy of an act of God -- The sand pile effect -- The rules of life -- Danger zones -- Bending the map -- Inside the right stuff -- "We're all going to fuckin' die!" -- A view of heaven -- The sacred chamber -- A certain nobility -- The day of the fall.