Draw Lots

The Art of Drawing Lots: Ensuring Fairness

Drawing lots is one of the oldest and most respected methods for making an impartial decision. It removes all human bias—preference, guilt, or politics—from a choice. The core principle is that every option has an equal and random chance of being selected. This makes it the perfect tool when fairness is the most important criterion.

Creative & Practical Uses

• Assigning Tasks: Who brings snacks for the next meeting? Who gets the unpleasant chore? Drawing lots is the universally accepted fair way to decide.
• Giveaways & Raffles: Conduct a fair prize drawing by adding the names of all participants.
• Group Decisions: Can't decide which movie to watch or restaurant to visit? Let the lots decide and commit to the outcome.
• Sparking Creativity: In a brainstorming session, write down all the ideas. Draw one to decide which concept the team will explore first.

A Tradition Through History

The practice of casting lots (*Cleromancy*) is mentioned in ancient texts across many cultures, including the Bible and Homer's *Iliad*, often to divide property or discover divine will. In ancient Athens, many government officials were chosen by lot from a pool of candidates, believing it to be a cornerstone of true democracy. This simple tool connects us to a long history of people seeking fair and unbiased ways to make choices.