The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb (2007, Hardcover)

In this book, Taleb's ideas on our limited abilities to understand history, future expectations, randomness, and our futile "need" to predict or forecast events are well thought out and insightful. However, his disjointed and self-aggrandizing writing style makes the book VERY difficult at times. I mean difficult as in, "Enough already, one more innane and obtuse quote or reference and I'll throw this horribly written crap in the trash," kind of difficult.

Yes, he is much more well read than I ever hope (or care) to be, but the constant name dropping and references to long-dead philosophers, mathematicians, politicians, and writers gets old quickly, and is more distracting than helpfull. In a few instances, he appears to be guilty of the same practices and poor logic that he (rightly) accuses most academics and business people of having. All said, I enjoy the book, but could do without his writing style. He critiques editors, but they may be able to help this book.

The author clearly states on that "read books are less valuable than unread ones." (page 1). I agree. In this instance I agree. Don't bother reading this book. If you are inclined toward this subject matter, read "Lila: An Inquiry into Morals" by Robert M. Pirsig (1991).

Absolutely fascinating book, helps explain a lot about human behavour, and why seemingly strange events happen in life that on the surface make little sense.

The book was ingreat conditions and it was posted very quickly. I would buy from this seller again if they were to sell something I need.

Excellent condition for a used book, and at a great price. Don't think this book is out in paperback yet so I appreciate the savings. I am still reading this book as I have purchased alot of summer reading. Fascinating and interesting views on those who can look outside the box and think and live as an individual without giving into the pressures of society to act in a predictable manner.

I almost think that this book should be required reading in all schools because of the natural logic that it imbues to the observer. In a world where the politicians rape the public with word tricks and illusions this book is the antibiotic to the parasitic mental viruses that the media spreads in the service of their bosses.
Taleb does a great service in demystifying the phony experts of the world while keeping us clear about what it is that constitutes "real expertise". Oddly enough some people are still using the Black and Scholes modeling so as to lose money in options while looking learned.
A tasty follow up to his previous book and an offering that leaves us hoping for a third. This is sure to be considered a classic.

I completely agree with tevans00. If this guy could get over himself long enough to write something for us little people, it would be a five star book.

I managed to get through the book and am glad I did. The tragedy of the book is how Taleb challenges the gag reflexes of his readers by his insane arrogance. If he was even a little humble about his knowledge and experiences this would be a five star book worthy of every risk management student and practitioner.

In a nutshell the point that he makes very well and then backs up is that just because we haven't seen something happen doesn't mean it won't. A 50% drop in the Dow over four months is a good example of his point. The ramifications are significant.