What ambitions do you still have?

To complete a multi-volume mathematical expression of the ideas of the more philosophical works, with rigorous derivations and proofs. Volume one is complete.

What drives you on?

I want to put my works under one title, Incerto, in 10 volumes – six philosophical and four mathematical – so people can grasp it all as a single piece.

What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?

I’ve learnt to never compromise.

What has been your greatest disappointment?

That I am unable to destroy the economics establishment, the press.

If your 20-year-old self could see you now, what would he think?

That I am not ashamed to be judged by my 20-year-old self. I swerved on occasion but ultimately stayed in line with what he wanted me to be.

via The Inventory: Nassim Nicholas Taleb – FT.com.