Skin in the Game
In 'Skin in the Game,' Nassim Nicholas Taleb explores the profound risks of decision-making that doesn't involve personal stakes. He unveils how those with power often evade the consequences of their actions while the vulnerable bear the brunt of systemic failures. Through compelling anecdotes and sharp insights, Taleb emphasizes the importance of having 'skin in the game' in economics, politics, and life. His thought-provoking arguments challenge conventional wisdom and demand accountability in our interconnected worlds. This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the real implications of risk and responsibility.
By Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Published: 2019
"The man who is afraid will do anything."
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Why should we never listen to people who explain rather than do? Why do companies go bust? How is it that we have more slaves today than in Roman times? Why does imposing democracy on other countries never work? The answer- too many people running the world don't have skin in the game. In this provocative book, Nassim Nicholas Taleb shows that skin in the game applies to all aspects of our lives. It's about having something to lose and taking a risk. Citizens, lab experimenters, artisans, political activists and hedge fund traders all have skin in the game. Policy wonks, corporate executives, theoreticians, bankers and most journalists don't.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from Skin in the Game
About the Author
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a Lebanese-American philosopher, scholar, and financial trader, best known for his works on probability, uncertainty, and risk. He gained widespread recognition for his books, particularly "The Black Swan," which explores the impact of rare, unpredictable events on the world. Taleb has a background in mathematics and finance, having studied at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Massachusetts. His ideas challenge conventional thinking, advocating for a more robust approach to dealing with uncertainty in various domains, from economics to life itself. In addition to his writing, he is known for his engaging and often provocative public speaking and for promoting the concept of "Antifragility," which describes systems that gain from disorder.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Published
- February 2019
- Publisher
- Penguin Press
- ISBN
- 0141982659
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 279
- Genres
- Political PhilosophyBusiness and EconomicsSocial CommentaryEconomic PolicyPolitics and Current Affairs
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Heartland
Sarah Smarsh
Preacher Book One
Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon
Mastery
George Leonard
The Limits of State Action
Wilhelm von Humboldt
Crises of Democracy
Adam Przeworski
Tightrope
Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn
Peddling Prosperity
Paul R. Krugman
How it All Blew Up
Arvin Ahmadi
The Liars' Club
Mary Karr
Holidays on Ice
David Sedaris
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
Jack Weatherford
Home Economics
Wendell Berry
The Survival of the Bark Canoe
John McPhee
Medieval Technology and Social Change
Lynn White (Jr.)
Strangers to Ourselves
Timothy D. Wilson
Uncommon Genius
Denise Shekerjian
A Great Leap Forward
Alexander J. Field
My Policeman
Bethan Roberts
The Future of Capitalism
Paul Collier
The Dog Stars
Peter Heller
Keeping At It
Paul Volcker, Christine Harper
In an Uncertain World
Robert Rubin, Jacob Weisberg
Chika
Mitch Albom
The Principles of Uncertainty
Maira Kalman
Into the Wild
Jon Krakauer
Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy - Revised Edition
Greg Dean
Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 7
C. G. Jung
The Supreme Court
Ruadhán Mac Cormaic
Where the Jobs Are
John Dearie, Courtney Geduldig
Betaball
Erik Malinowski
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Chris Dixon's Book Recommendations
Chris Dixon is a notable venture capitalist and technology entrepreneur, best known for his influential role as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, where he leads investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Before joining the firm, Dixon co-founded two startups: SiteAdvisor, a web security company acquired by McAfee, and Hunch, a recommendation engine acquired by eBay. In addition to his investment career, Dixon is a prolific writer and thought leader on technology and innovation, contributing insightful essays and articles to various platforms such as his personal blog and Medium. His writings often explore the future of technology, the internet, and the impact of blockchain, making significant contributions to contemporary tech literature. Dixon's work has earned him recognition as a visionary in both the tech and literary worlds.
View Collection
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations
David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work
View Collection
Ana Fabrega's Book Recommendations
Ana Lorena Fabrega is an innovative educator and author passionate about reimagining education. Known as “Ms. Fab,” she is the Chief Evangelist at Synthesis, an education startup inspired by the problem-solving and collaboration model used at SpaceX. She advocates for alternative learning methods, encouraging curiosity and creativity in students. Ana's work emphasizes the importance of engaging young learners in real-world challenges and critical thinking. She also shares insights on education reform through her popular newsletter, Fab Fridays.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations
Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
View Collection
Daniel Petre's Book Recommendations
Daniel Petre is a distinguished Australian entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist known for his impactful contributions to the business and literary worlds. He co-founded the venture capital firm AirTree Ventures, which has significantly influenced the technology startup ecosystem in Australia. Petre has authored several influential books on technology and leadership, including "The Clever Country?" and "Father Time," which explore themes of innovation and work-life balance. His writing often reflects his deep commitment to shaping a forward-thinking, inclusive society. Beyond his literary and business endeavors, Petre is also recognized for his substantial philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
View Collection
Elon Musk's Book Recommendations
Elon Musk is an influential entrepreneur and innovator known for founding and leading several groundbreaking companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company. He has played a pivotal role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Musk's vision extends to colonizing Mars and reducing the risk of human extinction through space travel. In addition to his technological contributions, he has co-authored the book "Spacex: Making Commercial Spaceflight a Reality," providing insights into his ambitious projects and vision for the future. Musk's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the trajectory of multiple industries.
View Collection
Changpeng Zhao's Book Recommendations
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as "CZ," is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency world and the founder and CEO of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Although not a traditional literary figure, Zhao has significantly contributed to the understanding and proliferation of blockchain technology through numerous articles, interviews, and public speaking engagements. His insights and leadership have been instrumental in shaping modern digital finance. Zhao's journey from coding at Bloomberg to creating Binance has been documented in various publications, shedding light on the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. Through his work, CZ continues to influence both the financial and technological landscapes globally.
View Collection
Bill Gates's Book Recommendations
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is a pioneering figure in the tech industry, having played a key role in the personal computer revolution. His work at Microsoft, particularly the development of Windows, transformed software and computing globally. Beyond his technology contributions, Gates is also a prolific author, with notable works such as "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought," which offer insights into the future of technology and business. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have had a profound impact on global health, education, and poverty. Gates continues to influence both technology and literature with his forward-thinking perspectives and innovative ideas.
View Collection
Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations
Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.
View Collection
Codie Sanchez's Book Recommendations
Codie Sanchez is a prominent entrepreneur, investor, and author known for her insightful contributions to business literature. She has garnered acclaim for her pragmatic approach to financial independence and investment strategies, particularly through her book "Unconventional Acquisitions." Sanchez is also a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise on buying small businesses and alternative investments. Additionally, she is recognized for her influential role as a columnist for major publications, where she discusses financial literacy and wealth-building. Her work continues to inspire entrepreneurs and investors seeking innovative paths to success.
View Collection
Ben Horowitz's Book Recommendations
Ben Horowitz is a prominent American entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known for co-founding the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He made significant contributions to the tech industry through his leadership roles at Netscape and as co-founder of the software company Opsware, which was later acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Horowitz is celebrated for his insightful business book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," which provides candid advice on the challenges of entrepreneurship. His follow-up book, "What You Do Is Who You Are," explores the importance of company culture in business success. Horowitz's works are highly regarded for their practical wisdom and have influenced countless leaders in the tech and business communities.
View Collection
Adam Grant's Book Recommendations
Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.
View Collection“The man who is afraid will do anything.”
Skin in the Game
By Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.