Fooled by Randomness

by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Fooled by Randomness cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Business and Economics
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99–£16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 10327
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780141930237
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2007-05-03
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Fooled by Randomness challenges our understanding of success, arguing that luck plays a far greater role than we acknowledge. The book delves into the world of markets, where entrepreneurs and traders are often praised for skill that may actually be the result of chance. By examining our tendency to find patterns where none exist, it reveals how our perception of randomness can lead us astray in both personal and professional endeavors. Written by a celebrated thinker, this book is praised for its iconoclastic approach and insightful analysis. It encourages readers to question conventional wisdom and consider the role of probability in their own lives. With engaging prose and thought-provoking arguments, Fooled by Randomness is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the unpredictable forces that shape our world.

Reviews
Trader Markus · 2023-04-28
enlightening 4.00

The book emphasizes the unpredictability of the future and the randomness of markets, which aligns with the reviewer's observations. They appreciate Taleb's insights and find the book thought-provoking.

This reviewer highlights how Fooled by Randomness underscores the inherent unpredictability of the future and the randomness of markets. They find Taleb's arguments compelling and relevant, especially in the context of financial markets. The book's exploration of how randomness affects our perceptions and decisions is particularly noteworthy. They appreciate the author's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the role of chance in life and markets.

Quick quotes

    The book was originally published in 2001. The future is unpredictable. The markets are random most of the time and I see why.

    Nassim Taleb's insights into the role of chance in our lives and markets are both enlightening and thought-provoking.

    Fooled by Randomness is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the hidden role of randomness in our decisions and outcomes.

Medium - Robert Vunabandi · Robert Vunabandi · 2023-04-28
insightful 4.50

The book's opening story about King Croesus and Solon sets the stage for a discussion on the unpredictability of life. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and the insights valuable.

Robert Vunabandi begins his review by highlighting the engaging opening story of King Croesus and Solon, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the unpredictability of life. He appreciates how Taleb uses this anecdote to illustrate the broader themes of the book. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of randomness and its impact on our lives both insightful and thought-provoking. Vunabandi particularly enjoys the author's ability to blend historical narratives with modern insights, making the book both educational and entertaining. He recommends it to readers interested in understanding the role of chance in their lives.

Quick quotes

    Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Taleb begins a Greek story that recalls an encounter where a king, Croesus, is interacting with a Greek legislator, Solon.

    The book's exploration of randomness and its impact on our lives is both insightful and thought-provoking.

    Taleb's ability to blend historical narratives with modern insights makes the book both educational and entertaining.

XandWhy · 2023-04-28
thought-provoking 3.75

This book serves as a reminder that all theories are only true until proven false, highlighting the constant change in our understanding of the world. The reviewer appreciates the book's emphasis on the fluidity of knowledge.

This reviewer finds Fooled by Randomness to be a compelling exploration of how our understanding of the world is constantly evolving. They particularly appreciate the book's reminder that all theories are only true until proven false, emphasizing the fluidity of knowledge. The reviewer enjoys Taleb's approach to discussing the role of randomness in our lives and decisions, finding it both enlightening and relevant. They recommend the book to readers interested in understanding the dynamic nature of knowledge and the impact of chance on our lives. The reviewer also appreciates the author's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, making it a valuable read.

Quick quotes

    What's interesting about this book is the reminder that all theories are only true until proven false. Essentially, things constantly change and the next...

    Taleb's approach to discussing the role of randomness in our lives and decisions is both enlightening and relevant.

    The book's exploration of the dynamic nature of knowledge and the impact of chance on our lives is both compelling and thought-provoking.

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