Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb looks at life according to a Stoic philosophy which is indifferent to pleasure or pain. The concept of antifragility domesticates uncertainty and examines the future with a robust rationality devoid of too much emotional attachment.

The main thrust of antifragility teaches that systems benefit from stress and uncertainty. The Stoic sage transforms fear to prudence and pain to information.

Every good doctor investigates the source of pain. This is true because valuable information can be gleaned in order to arrive at a correct diagnosis and treatment regimen.

Taleb teaches that major systems benefit from stress, disorder, volatility and turmoil. Essentially, the absence of challenge degrades the best performers because they cannot grow due to atrophy from disuse of their talents and skills.

In fact, barricades can enhance strength from the monumental effort needed to break them down. The only problem here is the stress on the individual which extracts costs to society later on.

via Book Review: Antifragile: Things That Gain From Disorder by Nassim Nicholas Taleb – Blogcritics Books.