Did you know that some of the most influential thinkers of our time often turn to books for inspiration?
In this article, we’re going to look at the 10 best books recommended by Nassim Taleb, a man known for his unconventional wisdom and thought-provoking insights.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your critical thinking skills or simply explore new ideas, these selections are sure to challenge your perspective and ignite your curiosity.
Get ready to discover literary gems that can transform the way you view risk, uncertainty and decision-making.
Books Recommended by Nassim Taleb
1. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
Book Genre: Business, Entrepreneurship
Author: Peter Thiel
Why It’s Recommended: Taleb urges readers to read this book at least twice, maybe even three times.
It’s a must-read for anyone looking to build something truly innovative.
2. The Tartar Steppe
Book Genre: Fiction, Philosophy
Author: Dino Buzzati
Why It’s Recommended: Taleb calls it “one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.”
A haunting story about time, ambition and the quiet tragedy of waiting for something that never comes.
3. Thinking, Fast and Slow
Book Genre: Psychology, Behavioral Economics
Author: Daniel Kahneman
Why It’s Recommended: Taleb ranks this alongside The Wealth of Nations and The Interpretation of Dreams.
It’s an eye-opening read about how our minds make decisions, sometimes brilliantly and sometimes disastrously.
4. The Road to Serfdom
Book Genre: Economics, Political Philosophy
Author: Friedrich Hayek
Why It’s Recommended: Taleb values this book for its clear distinction between models and theories, showing why financial markets can’t be fully “scientific.”
A timeless warning about the dangers of central planning.
5. Happy Accidents: Serendipity in Modern Medical Breakthroughs
Book Genre: Science, Medicine
Author: Morton Meyers
Why It’s Recommended: Taleb is so enthusiastic about this book that he begs readers to read it at least twice!
It’s a fascinating look at how chance discoveries have shaped modern medicine.
6. Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger, 3rd Edition
Book Genre: Decision-Making, Psychology
Author: Peter Bevelin
Why It’s Recommended: A book Taleb believes should be read daily. It offers timeless lessons on how to think, make better decisions and gain wisdom.
7. The Kelly Capital Growth Investment Criterion: Theory and Practice
Book Genre: Finance, Investment Strategy
Author: Leonard C. MacLean, Edward O. Thorp, William T. Ziemba
Why It’s Recommended: Taleb calls this a must-read for investors.
It delves into the Kelly Criterion, a mathematical formula for managing risk and maximizing returns.
8. Modelling Extremal Events: For Insurance and Finance
Book Genre: Mathematics, Risk Management
Author: Paul Embrechts, Claudia Klüppelberg, Thomas Mikosch
Why It’s Recommended: Taleb describes this book in one word – indispensable.
It’s a key resource for understanding extreme financial events and market risks.
9. The Hour Between Dog and Wolf: Risk Taking, Gut Feelings and the Biology of Boom and Bust
Book Genre: Neuroscience, Behavioral Finance
Author: John Coates
Why It’s Recommended: A fascinating look at how biology influences financial risk-taking. Taleb recommends it to those interested in both finance and human behavior.
10. The Count of Monte Cristo
Book Genre: Classic Literature, Adventure
Author: Alexandre Dumas
Why It’s Recommended: A timeless tale of resilience, strategy and long-term thinking, themes Nassim Taleb often emphasizes.
Final Thoughts on Books Recommended by Nassim Taleb
The above books recommended by Nassim Taleb offer profound insights into risk, decision-making and life’s inherent uncertainties.
From Peter Thiel’s “Zero to One” on innovation and entrepreneurship to Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking, Fast and Slow” on human decision-making, Taleb’s choices span across various fields including economics, philosophy, finance and literature.
These books are more than just reads, they offer a guide to thinking critically, embracing uncertainty and understanding the world in new ways.
By exploring the works of these influential authors, you’ll gain wisdom that aligns with Taleb’s own philosophical outlook.
So dive into these recommended books by Nassim Taleb and discover how they can shape your perspective on life, business and the world around you.