Fooled by RandomnessRecommendations
About the book
"Fooled by Randomness" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a thought-provoking exploration of how humans often misinterpret randomness and luck in their lives. Taleb, a prominent thinker in risk and uncertainty, delves into the psychological biases that lead us to see patterns in random events, which can have profound implications for our decision-making processes. Reading this book will not only challenge your perceptions of chance but also equip you with a better understanding of how to navigate uncertainty in various aspects of life, from investing to personal relationships. It encourages critical thinking and skepticism, urging readers to question conventional wisdom and recognize the role of luck in success.The book comes highly recommended by a diverse group of influential figures, including authors, entrepreneurs, and educators. Notable recommendations come from Andrew Lokenauth, Neil Gaiman, and James Clear, among others. This wide range of endorsements suggests that "Fooled by Randomness" resonates particularly well with those in the creative and business sectors. The frequent recommendation by authors and thought leaders highlights its relevance in understanding how randomness plays a crucial role in both the creative process and strategic decision-making, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of risk and uncertainty in their professional and personal lives.
Fooled by Randomness is a standalone book in Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s landmark Incerto series, an investigation of opacity, luck, uncertainty, probability, human error, risk, and decision-making in a world we don’t understand. The other books in the series are The Black Swan, Antifragile, Skin in the Game, and The Bed of Procrustes.
Fooled by Randomness is the word-of-mouth sensation that will change the way you think about business and the world. Nassim Nicholas Taleb–veteran trader, renowned risk expert, polymathic scholar, erudite raconteur, and New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan–has written a modern classic that turns on its head what we believe about luck and skill.
This book is about luck–or more precisely, about how we perceive and deal with luck in life and business. Set against the backdrop of the most conspicuous forum in which luck is mistaken for skill–the world of trading–Fooled by Randomness provides captivating insight into one of the least understood factors in all our lives. Writing in an entertaining narrative style, the author tackles major intellectual issues related to the underestimation of the influence of happenstance on our lives.
The book is populated with an array of characters, some of whom have grasped, in their own way, the significance of chance: the baseball legend Yogi Berra; the philosopher of knowledge Karl Popper; the ancient world’s wisest man, Solon; the modern financier George Soros; and the Greek voyager Odysseus. We also meet the fictional Nero, who seems to understand the role of randomness in his professional life but falls victim to his own superstitious foolishness.
However, the most recognizable character of all remains unnamed–the lucky fool who happens to be in the right place at the right time–he embodies the “survival of the least fit.” Such individuals attract devoted followers who believe in their guru’s insights and methods. But no one can replicate what is obtained by chance.
Are we capable of distinguishing the fortunate charlatan from the genuine visionary? Must we always try to uncover nonexistent messages in random events? It may be impossible to guard ourselves against the vagaries of the goddess Fortuna, but after reading Fooled by Randomness we can be a little better prepared.
Named by Fortune One of the Smartest Books of All Time
A Financial Times Best Business Book of the Year
People recommending Fooled by Randomness
What readers say about ‘Fooled by Randomness’
James Altucher on Fooled by Randomness
James Altucher mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Howard Marks on Fooled by Randomness
"Really about how much randomness there is in our world."
Ev Williams on Fooled by Randomness
On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
Ryan Shea on Fooled by Randomness
Ryan Shea recommended this book on Twitter.
Nick Kokonas on Fooled by Randomness
"Almost everyone in my office is forced to read [this book]."
James Clear on Fooled by Randomness
"[One of] the 10 books with the most page-for-page wisdom."
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