Skin in the Game: Hidden Asymmetries in Daily Life

8 hrs. 7 min.

Popular Science

Language Russian

Author Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Narrator Dmitry Kreminsky

Description

In his new, sharply provocative and at the same time extremely pragmatic book, the incomparable Nassim Nicholas Taleb explains how important it is to identify and filter nonsense, to distinguish theory from practice, superficial competence from the real thing. You’ll learn what “rationality” is in complex systems and in the real world, what symmetry and asymmetry are, and what the logic of taking risks is.

By giving fresh meaning to familiar concepts such as “a fair society,” “professional success,” and “personal responsibility,” and without being afraid to bruise the egos of established idols, Taleb debunks the hypocritical ideas and actions of the apologists of military intervention, stock-market investors, and religious preachers. Using examples from Hammurabi and Jesus Christ, Roman and Byzantine emperors, Seneca and Donald Trump, Taleb shows that the most important quality shared by celebrated heroes, fearless saints, and brilliant businessmen is this: not to pass the risk on to others.

“ I love it when I’m surprised. Following the principle of mutual benefit, I invite the reader on a journey that I would enjoy myself.” (Nassim Nicholas Taleb)