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demetriy 's review for:
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder
by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Key Ideas
The antifragile thrives in a volatile environment and deteriorates in stability.
To become antifragile, one must learn to embrace mistakes.
Choose options with convex benefits, where the costs are low, but the potential gains are unlimited.
Use a barbell strategy to ensure antifragility. The essence of this strategy is that 90% of assets are kept in a safe place, while 10% are in risky or even highly risky ventures.
Effective action is only possible when you have skin in the game.
Impressions of the Book
A fundamental work at the intersection of philosophy, ethics, and mathematics. It allows one to see hidden threats in the world and become open to new opportunities. If you want to start enjoying our ever-changing world, Taleb's work is a must-read.
Favorite Quotes
"Negative knowledge is more certain than positive knowledge. Wisdom lies in avoiding unnecessary things rather than acquiring true knowledge."
"There is no evidence of harm from a drug or unnatural procedure à la via positiva, and therefore it is premature to claim they are dangerous."
"The more you study, the less obvious the elementary but fundamental knowledge becomes; practice, on the other hand, strips phenomena of complexity, leaving only the simplest model of what is possible."
How Has This Book Changed Me?
I'm adopting the barbell strategy and convex options. I also liked the approach to doctors and medicine. The question to ask a doctor—"How would you treat yourself in my position, rather than what would you recommend?"—is something I’m taking to heart.