Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder

Why did I pick this book?
I saw this book recommended in numerous lists, but decided to actually read it when it was highly recommended during a webinar on Mental Models to use during the Covid-crisis. We life in volatile and an uncertain time, and being antifragile means you can handle and even thrive in such an environment.

About the book
Nassim Taleb argues why we need to have an (working) understanding of what it means to be antifragile. How to identify things which are fragile and how to become antifragile; to be able to thrive in an ever changing and uncertain environment.
Taleb does this in a very unique way, which to me feels a bit like sitting down at a diner room table and having Taleb explain his view on antifragility. Meaning that, although there are chapters (and even books) within the book, they are not clearly separating different arguments. He also does it in a style of writing which is really his own. Do not expect to read a ‘clean', “scientifically” argued book with a clear definition of antifragility. Also, be ready to have Taleb's opinions heard (where bankers, people-in-suits and bureaucrats are not highly regarded).

My recommendation
Start with a short summary of the key take-aways from this book, as I feel Taleb gives too many personal anecdotes/arguments to get a clean take-away of the concept of Antifragility. If you enjoy the summary, and need more information around the topic this book is a very good read and contains quite a few clear and entertaining examples to argue his point of view.