The irony of humanity
According to Bryson, humans are the most fortunate living organisms because they have existed from one generation to another because of luck. Some organisms, such as dinosaurs, became extinct millions of years ago. Ironically, instead of humans appreciating nature and improving it for their sustainability and survival, they are engaging in activities that destroy the environment they live. For instance, pollution of the atmosphere, dumping waste into oceans, and widespread destruction of the environment endanger the lives of other living organisms and limit humans' lifespan.
The irony of Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson
Arno and Robert are great astronomers who first discovered the remnants of the Bing Bang that resulted in the creation of the universe. The discovery of these remnants is ample evidence that the Bing Bang took place many years ago. Ironically, Arno and Robert do not know the impact of their discovery in the scientific world because they take it for granted. Arno and Robert only discover the significance of their discovery when it appears on the front pages of The New York Times.