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Reviews
Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions by Tom Griffiths, Brian Christian
rebecanunez's review
4.0
Muy interesante. Son cosas en las que uno no se pone a pensar, por mas que están presentes todo el tiempo. Ademas el lenguaje que utiliza, creo que va a estar al alcance de todos los que podrían interesarse.
libellum_aphrodite's review against another edition
3.0
The algorithm applications to real life were mostly fun, apropos, and insightful though a few trite and silly ones crept in.
These four I found quite relevant, to the point I stopped reading to consider the use in my own life.
* optimal stopping
* explore / exploit
* overfitting
* relaxation
Milage varied on the rest, ranging from "big stretches" to "interesting application, but overplayed."
* sorting
* caching
* scheduling
* Bayes' Rule
* randomness
* networking
* game theory
Style-wise, I felt the authors were trying a bit too hard to be cool and clever, with occasionally groan-worthy pop culture chapter quotes, but they effectively explained computer science terms in real human language (as best I can tell, admittedly - working in tech may well have tainted my impartiality).
These four I found quite relevant, to the point I stopped reading to consider the use in my own life.
* optimal stopping
* explore / exploit
* overfitting
* relaxation
Milage varied on the rest, ranging from "big stretches" to "interesting application, but overplayed."
* sorting
* caching
* scheduling
* Bayes' Rule
* randomness
* networking
* game theory
Style-wise, I felt the authors were trying a bit too hard to be cool and clever, with occasionally groan-worthy pop culture chapter quotes, but they effectively explained computer science terms in real human language (as best I can tell, admittedly - working in tech may well have tainted my impartiality).
finlay_b's review
5.0
A fantastic exploration of some of the most interesting problems encountered in the field of computer science.
This covers a wide range of topics including search, scheduling, complexity and so on. Where this book shines is in the examples and use cases used to illustrate each problem - and establish the importance of being able to compute (reasonably) good answers to them.
We also delve into the applications of computer science in less obviously-related disciplines like psychology and philosophy. Intriguing and entertaining, these tangents develop an even greater appreciation of just how relevant and creative computer science can be.
The authors write with a perfect level of detail throughout; not so technical as to make it inaccessible, but covers enough such that the reader can fully grasp the challenges discussed and how the proposed solutions address them. One of the best science books I’ve encountered.
sienaro's review against another edition
4.0
I must admit, I don't often read non-fiction so I have very little to compare this to. But as I was leaving the library, this book was just asking to be checked out. Some of the algorithms are life changing. Parking is a breeze now and the optimal stopping 37% rule is going to rule my life. Chapter two on exploring and exploiting made me realize that I majorly need to explore more (more non-fiction, maybe??). The scheduling chapter, in the few days I've implemented it so far, has enabled to accomplish so much more. Even the chapter on game theory, which I've previously read a lot about, is very well done even if it doesn't go into as much depth as I would have wished.
I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who loves or respects math and is interested in the useful algorithms that can be used in their everyday lives.
I would definitely suggest this book to anyone who loves or respects math and is interested in the useful algorithms that can be used in their everyday lives.
desh951's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable read but book could’ve provided more detailed real world examples of algorithms in life.
prysm30's review against another edition
4.0
Like a warm blanket, this book tells the mathematician that the way they live their life is probably excellent. Nothing earth-shattering for me- but a delightful read all the same!