Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I think Taleb makes some good points in here, however he comes across like a pompous jerk in the process. I also wish he had some more actionable ideas, as opposed to mostly just criticism of the way things are done now.
Incisive as always, Nassim Taleb changed the way I see and think about the world.
The writing is pretentious and irritating. Also seemingly incoherent, yet repetitive and loopy. Taleb also seems very confident for a 'skeptic' as he boasts and attacks all those who are 'blind' to his ways and thoughts.
All that aside, the book is thought-provoking and does contain some powerful thoughts amidst the swamp of verbiage and irritating asides.
I usually reward 5 stars to books that have influenced/changed my thinking patterns and perspectives. For that, as well as myself being (in a way) a student of probability and statistics, I grant this book a 5.
All that aside, the book is thought-provoking and does contain some powerful thoughts amidst the swamp of verbiage and irritating asides.
I usually reward 5 stars to books that have influenced/changed my thinking patterns and perspectives. For that, as well as myself being (in a way) a student of probability and statistics, I grant this book a 5.
I listened to this book and had such high hopes.
I was irritated with the smug self-satisfied delivery of the author.
He mayt indeed be all that, but I eventually didn't care.
For all the talk of taking the black swan theory farther than Malcolm Gladwell, he was no Malcolm Gladwell.
Gladwell is engaging, not simpering.
I give this a "meh" rating.
I was irritated with the smug self-satisfied delivery of the author.
He mayt indeed be all that, but I eventually didn't care.
For all the talk of taking the black swan theory farther than Malcolm Gladwell, he was no Malcolm Gladwell.
Gladwell is engaging, not simpering.
I give this a "meh" rating.
This guy is an insufferable ass who makes inappropriate jokes at the expense of anyone he deems less than him. 300 pages is too many pages to just say "shit happens."
Wall-banger at page 64. This might not be the final rating. I entertain the possibility of picking this up again, but at the moment I cannot bear the thought. The author is an annoying schmuck and that overshadows the concepts, which are quite interesting. You want to learn something useful within the same genre, pick up "Thinking, fast and slow" by Daniel Kahneman instead.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Got sick of the author’s constant demeaning remarks towards others. You might think you’re quirky and on top of the world, but it’s possible to give a philosophical explanation without constantly being some kind of low-grade asshole. Idk it’s just my opinion. He just grew insufferable after a while, because he listens to no one’s standards but his own.
I had picked up this book with great expectations, came recommended by one of the smartest persons I know.
Honestly, the ideas may not be unique (and impractical to some extent) but sure are compelling. But the author is so obnoxious, I was furious the entire time reading this. I am sure Mr. Taleb has reasons to endorse his ideas, but his treatment of people not agreeing with him is certainly not the mark of intellectual maturity.
As for the content, everyone who works or has ever worked in statistics knows the popular aphorism "All models are wrong but some are useful". So even though no models can predict the Black Swans, they have done wonders for the world at large.
I will recommend it to people who can put up with an insufferable know-it-all but really not worth it.
P.S.: I couldn't finish the book because of the reasons mentioned above, maybe I will revisit in the future. I have been told working in corporate makes you more tolerant towards obnoxious people.
Honestly, the ideas may not be unique (and impractical to some extent) but sure are compelling. But the author is so obnoxious, I was furious the entire time reading this. I am sure Mr. Taleb has reasons to endorse his ideas, but his treatment of people not agreeing with him is certainly not the mark of intellectual maturity.
As for the content, everyone who works or has ever worked in statistics knows the popular aphorism "All models are wrong but some are useful". So even though no models can predict the Black Swans, they have done wonders for the world at large.
I will recommend it to people who can put up with an insufferable know-it-all but really not worth it.
P.S.: I couldn't finish the book because of the reasons mentioned above, maybe I will revisit in the future. I have been told working in corporate makes you more tolerant towards obnoxious people.