The Bed of Procrustes
In 'The Bed of Procrustes,' Nassim Nicholas Taleb invites readers to explore the unsettling truths about life, knowledge, and human behavior through a series of provocative aphorisms. The book challenges conventional wisdom and advocates for embracing uncertainty and randomness rather than seeking comfort in overly simplistic narratives. Taleb’s wit and incisive observations encourage readers to question societal norms and their own assumptions. Each reflection is thought-provoking, revealing the often paradoxical nature of our existence. Prepare to be both challenged and enlightened, as you navigate the bed of Procrustes and discover profound insights that resonate long after the final page.
By Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Published: 2016
Start Listening
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
You might also like →
The Big Leap
Gay Hendricks
Sleep
Nick Littlehales
Sum
David Eagleman
The Big Picture
Sean Carroll
The Information
James Gleick
Elevate
Robert Glazer
Symmetry
Hermann Weyl
Dark Matter
Blake Crouch
The Clock Of The Long Now
Stewart Brand
Ethics
Benedict de Spinoza
Becoming a Category of One
Joe Calloway
Rules for a Knight
Ethan Hawke
The Way of Integrity
Martha Beck
The Stranger
Albert Camus
Consider the Lobster
David Foster Wallace
Absence of Mind
Marilynne Robinson
The Screwtape Letters: Annotated Edition
C. S. Lewis
Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . .
Thomas Cathcart, Daniel Klein
Confessions of a Philosopher
Bryan Magee
Invariances
Robert Nozick
Synchronicity
C. G. Jung
Zorba the Greek
Nikos Kazantzakis
The Folded Clock
Heidi Julavits
Dreams of a Final Theory
Steven Weinberg
Regarding the Pain of Others
Susan Sontag
Holes
Louis Sachar
Mortal Questions (Canto Classics)
Thomas Nagel
History of Western Philosophy
Bertrand Russell
The Worm at the Core
Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, Thomas A. Pyszczynski
Book Collections you might like →
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
Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations
Diana Kimball is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of the mentorship platform Mentor List, which connects people looking for guidance with industry leaders. Kimball is a champion for personal and professional development, emphasizing the power of mentorship to foster growth and build meaningful connections. She has worked in product management and marketing roles at companies like Twitter and Microsoft, bringing her unique insights into tech and community building. Kimball also speaks and writes on topics related to leadership, career development, and the importance of empathy in the workplace. Her work has helped people build stronger networks and pursue their goals with purpose.
View Collection
David Sinclair's Book Recommendations
David Sinclair is an Australian biologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, known for his pioneering research in the field of aging and longevity. Sinclair's work focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that drive aging and developing interventions to slow or reverse the process. His bestselling book Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To explores the latest advancements in anti-aging science and offers insights into how humans might extend their healthspan. Sinclair's research has led to breakthroughs in areas such as sirtuins, NAD+ metabolism, and cellular reprogramming. He is also the co-founder of several biotech companies, including Sirtris Pharmaceuticals and Life Biosciences, dedicated to translating aging research into practical treatments. Sinclair is a vocal advocate for taking a proactive approach to aging, promoting lifestyle changes and emerging therapies to delay age-related diseases. His work has made him a leading figure in the longevity movement, influencing both scientific and public discourse on the future of health.
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
Mark Manson's Book Recommendations
Mark Manson is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his candid and no-nonsense approach to self-help. His most notable work, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages, resonating with readers for its practical advice and irreverent tone. Manson followed up with another successful book, "Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope," which further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in modern existentialism. In addition to his books, he runs a popular blog that delves into topics ranging from happiness to personal growth. His work has not only transformed the self-help genre but also influenced a global audience seeking authentic and actionable guidance.
View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations
Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.
View Collection
Mario Gabriele's Book Recommendations
Mario Gabriele is a contemporary author known for his incisive commentary on technology and business through his popular newsletter, "The Generalist." Blending deep research with engaging storytelling, Gabriele has built a reputation for making complex topics accessible and intriguing. His work has garnered a dedicated following among readers seeking insights into the tech industry's most pressing issues and emerging trends. In addition to his newsletter, Gabriele frequently contributes thought-provoking articles to leading publications, further establishing his voice as a significant commentator in the field. His unique ability to distill intricate subjects into compelling narratives has made him an influential figure in modern business literature.
View Collection
Bryan Callen's Book Recommendations
Bryan Callen is a multifaceted American entertainer best known for his work as a comedian, actor, and podcast host. He gained recognition as one of the original cast members of the sketch comedy series "MADtv." Callen has co-authored the book "The Four-Hour Body" with Tim Ferriss, contributing his unique humor and insights to the best-selling fitness guide. He is also a prominent voice in the podcasting world, co-hosting the popular "The Fighter and The Kid" podcast. Beyond literature, Callen has made significant contributions to comedy through his stand-up specials and appearances in various television shows and films.
View CollectionFrequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.