AntiFragile

By Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Last Completed: 2016
Length: 426 + Epilogue, Appendix
Rating: Must Own
Category: Philosophy
Sub Category: Economics

While Taleb is often cited as an economist, and not that unbearable kind who speaks only in figures to try to impress the crown, he presents an argument for thing that, as the title suggests “Gain from Disorder.” Although not intended to be an introduction to the work of Taleb, but rather the third book in a set, it can be a launching off point to his writing, as it certainly did so for me.

Taleb has a wonderful way of writing that begins with the thesis, and then applies it meaningfully to the appropriate sections of life.

As the name suggests, Antifragile is a principle which is the true opposite of fragility. Fragile systems collapse under uncertainty and disorder. Robust ones are less likely to do so, but antifragile systems are the kinds that acrually grow when faced with adversity. Bones, economics, government, inventions, and rhetoric all get a re-examination after the principle is eplained.

This is a book where you understand some parts, where others might be outside the reader’s scope, but all in all, deserves a place on the shelf.

Terms to Gain: Iatrogenics, via negativa, and, of course, Antifragility