Science and Inquiry discussion

For January 2021, we will be reading Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Please use this thread to post questions, comments, and reviews, at any time.

This is a marvelous book, by Nassim Taleb. He is a VERY opinionated author, but his ideas are definitely "out-of-the-box" thinking. Taleb must have had a lot of fun writing this book, as he pokes a lot of fun at academics. Especially those academics who have no "skin in the game." Here is my review.

David wrote: "This is a marvelous book, by Nassim Taleb. He is a VERY opinionated author, but his ideas are definitely "out-of-the-box" thinking. Taleb must have had a lot of fun writing this book, as he pokes a..."
Hi David,
I just wanted to let you know that your link leads to the book instead of your review (which is, by the way, quite interesting).

Brian wrote: "Hi David,
I just wanted to let you know that your link leads to the book instead of your review (which is, by the way, quite interesting)."

Thanks for letting me know, Brian. I've corrected the link.

David wrote: "This is a marvelous book, by Nassim Taleb.

Thank you David for your review. I have this up next to read but I have never read anything like this in my life before and am not sure I will understand the concepts. I will give it a good try though.

You are welcome, Shell!

Just a quick knee-jerk reaction to Taleb’s writing style: he really is the contrarian. I don’t necessarily enjoy how he calls everyone “fragilistas” but it does get his point across (and it’s consistent with his principle of always being candid in your criticism)

Is David the only person who has read this book? How did it win the poll? Of course, you don't have to read the book during the subject month (I certainly don't always), but surely someone else has some comment.

My library doesn't have it! I have not gotten around to buying a copy.

I must admit I haven't read it either. First the wait time at my library was very long. Then David's review put me off it enough that I didn't want to buy it. So I can't complain about others not reading it.

I read Black Swan and it was OK but I found the author's tone a bit irritating..The topic sounds very intriguing though.

I just chuckle at Taleb's style. Maybe somewhat "over the top" intentionally, maybe just garden-variety academic hubris (although I love and revere academicians!). I didn't make it through the whole text, but several of his interviews and articles in the mainstream press kind of give you the gist of his thesis. I think he is dead on with the "fat tail" risk profiles.

Kevin wrote: "Just a quick knee-jerk reaction to Taleb’s writing style: he really is the contrarian. I don’t necessarily enjoy how he calls everyone “fragilistas” but it does get his point across (and it’s consi..."
I'm finally getting around to reading it, actually listening to the audiobook. I'm really enjoying it but I see what you mean! The "fragilista" tag reminds me of my annoying Facebook friends who are always calling each other "snowflake," "libtard," "sheeple" and other annoying, stereotyping slurs. Although it might be fun to go around calling bureaucrats and sheeple "fragilistas." Even those who do not know what it means are bound to find it offensive LOL

I finally got this audiobook from the library and am finding it very worthwhile and absorbing. I find the author's personal recounts of his life in the Levant (he is a Lebanese Christian) extremely interesting.
This book offers a different point of veiw from other risk analyses. Taleb favors not getting too comfortable in depending that situations will maintain "normal" conditions, as this will make one fragile when unexpected events happen. I suppose the opposite of this is to operate somewhat independently of the main flow of the system, such as being self-employed or having a sideline ready to take advantage of a major shift in circumstance.
I'm still grappling with exactly how to do this, not knowing what the next major disruption will be. Lots of great food for thought here.