Philosophy Archives

The Lindy Effect: The Ultimate Test of Time

What is the Lindy effect? Why does the longer something has been around, the longer it will likely be around in the future? Named after a deli in which actors are said to have casually invented the idea, the Lindy effect states that a nonperishable thing’s longevity is roughly equal to its current age. In other words, truly effective ideas, inventions, and institutions become less likely to die as time goes on. As Nicholas Taleb puts it, if something is “Lindy,” it “ages in reverse.” In this article, we’ll explore the “Lindy effect” and show why, in the absence of

Skin in the Game: Nassim Taleb’s Philosophy of Risk

What is Nassim Taleb’s “skin in the game” philosophy? What does it mean to have your skin in the game? In this book Skin in the Game, Nassim Nicholas Taleb deconstructs what we know about life and society with a new ideological framework that’s both unconventional in its insights and fundamentally human. By reinterpreting life in terms of risk and reward, Taleb demonstrates how “skin in the game” is the foundation of an honorable and fulfilling life and why shirking your fair share of risk is the root of all evil. In this article, we’ll explore Nassim Taleb’s philosophy behind

Trading Freedom for Security Is Fair Game

How much does your job limit your freedom? Apart from freedom, what other sacrifices do you have to make for the security your job provides? In his book Skin in the Game, Nassim Taleb argues that employment is a mutually beneficial agreement in which employees are trading freedom for security to a company that, in exchange, bears some of their personal risks. In Taleb’s words, employees put their skin in the company’s game. In this article, we’ll discuss the risk-freedom trade-off made by employees, detailing the benefits employees receive from employers and the ways in which their freedom is limited.

What Is the Curse of Dimensionality?

What is the curse of dimensionality? Is it ever possible to predict the behavior of a complex system? The curse of dimensionality is a mathematical principle that states that as a system grows, the rate at which it becomes complex accelerates. In his book Skin in the Game, Nassim Taleb argues that because of the curse of dimensionality, complex systems are impossible to reliably predict—any adjustment made to a large, complex system will cause an avalanche of unintended side effects. Without the true knowledge gained from failure, we would never know enough to navigate the infinitely complex world. In this

Nassim Taleb: Religion as a Means to Survival

Is religion rational? Does religion benefit or hinder human societies? According to Nassim Taleb, religion is rational in the sense that it contributes to our survival. With this in mind, he argues that everyone is religious to some extent because it is human nature to yearn for the survival of our species. In this article, we’ll explore Taleb’s take on religion as a tool for the end goal of humanity—survival.

The Slight Edge: Long-Term Success Philosophy

Are you frustrated with the results of your goals? Do you want to know what the secret is to achieving long-term success? You might be surprised to learn that the secret is, in fact, quite simple. In The Slight Edge, Jeff Olson teaches that success is built over time by committing to simple, small, daily disciplines. In this article, we’ll explore Jeff Olson’s success philosophy and how you can incorporate it into your own life.

The Purpose of Religion Is to Mitigate Our Selfishness

What is the purpose of religion? How does religion differ from secular belief? According to Nassim Taleb, the author of Skin in the Game, the ultimate purpose of religion is to offset the risks of societal ruin caused by humans’ self-serving instincts. When conceptualized in this way, religion is not too different from secular beliefs. In this article, we’ll explore Taleb’s argument that the purpose of religion is to mitigate human selfishness.

Strategy Versus Tactics in Decision-Making

What is the difference between strategy versus tactics in the context of decision-making? Which approach is more effective? David Epstein, the author of Range, insists that strategy is more important than tactics. In the past, tactical decision-making was the norm, but in the modern-day, abstract and strategic thinking are replacing the tactical approach. Here’s why strategy matters more than tactics.

The Art of Self-Forgiveness—Free Yourself From Guilt

Do you beat yourself up for every mistake you make? Do you hang on to shame and guilt for years? Did you know that not forgiving yourself for your mistakes and shortcomings might actually be harming you? Self-forgiveness is not an easy process because it requires you to accept that you’ve done something against your values, that you’re not comfortable with, or that you’re not proud of. The process of self-forgiveness may take years or even a lifetime because it involves such negative and uncomfortable emotions, however, it’s better to work on it than to stew in guilt, shame, and

The Blue Hat Thinking: The Metacognitive Hat

What is blue hat thinking in Six Thinking Hats? How and when should you use this hat? Psychologist Edward de Bono’s blue hat is also known as the metacognition hat. This master hat is usually worn by the leader of a meeting to make sure that the other participants are on staying on track. Keep reading to learn all about blue hat thinking.