Fooled By Randomness By Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Superior Essays
Just for fun, Nassim Nicholas Taleb enjoys making fun of those who take themselves, better yet, their levels of know-how, too seriously. Hinting that his habit of poking fun at scholars is a possible coping mechanism for his intellectual insecurity. In his book, “Fooled by Randomness,” he attempts to equate one’s success to mere chance or randomness. Making a case that moderate success can be influenced by hard-work, and the level of skills one possesses, but that success to higher degree is the result of good fortune and or arbitrary events. Can prosperity, in truth, depend on being in the right place at the right time? After reading Mr. Taleb’s book, I’m beginning to wonder if that’s the case. The primary thesis of this book is that people …show more content…
A contrast to Nassim Nicholas Taleb notion of luck, Kevin San goes on to explain that patience and hard work are the ultimate keys to success. Discussing his past at Rhode Island College and suggesting to readers that studying hard will ultimately lead to reaching one’s goals. Moreover, believing his involvement with the Institute of Management Accountants, IMA, is the reason for his success as an accountant. A stark contrast to Mr. Taleb’s belief that luck contributes to one’s success. “I’m a firm believer in the saying, Hard work pays off,” said Mr. San (San, …show more content…
A guide to accepting that all things might be random. And although luck may determine your success, you should still make efforts to prepare yourself for opportunities. Moreover, the confusion between luck and determinism can be hazardous to your health. “Risk conscious hard work and discipline can lead someone to achieve a comfortable life with a very high probability. Beyond that, it is all randomness: either by taking enormous (and unconscious) risks, or by being extraordinarily lucky” said author Nassim Nicholas Taleb, (Taleb,

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