Philosophy

The Black Swan

Nassim Nicholas Taleb · 2005

Lindy Score

9,256·Classic

21 yrs

Age

6

Endorsers

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Why it endured

The impact of the highly improbable. Taleb argues that history is dominated by rare, unpredictable events — Black Swans — that we rationalize after the fact. Published just before the 2008 financial crisis, it was immediately validated. Changed how we think about risk.

What they're saying

6 people recommend this book

Naval RavikantEntrepreneur & philosopher

The Black Swan is one of the most important books of the last 20 years. Taleb understood the 2008 crisis before it happened.

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Sam AltmanCEO of OpenAI

The Black Swan changed how I think about risk and uncertainty — especially about predicting the future of technology.

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Ray DalioFounder of Bridgewater Associates

Taleb's concept of black swans is central to how I think about risk at Bridgewater.

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Ryan HolidayAuthor & Stoic philosopher

The Black Swan is one of the most important books written in the last 50 years. Taleb forces you to confront how much of history — and your own life — is shaped by rare, unpredictable events.

DailyStoic.com

James AltucherInvestor & author

Taleb's concept of the Black Swan is the most important idea for any investor to understand.

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Bill GatesCo-founder of Microsoft

List of books Bill Gates read in 2012.

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