Perspective

Taleb grew up during a fairly stable time in Lebanon and learned the rich heritage of his home. By the time he had reached his teen years, he became involved with revolutionary elements and the start of a war. He had to leave his home city due to the war and spent a great deal of time in France, where he studied philosophy and other subjects that drew his interest. While in the United States, Taleb worked first as a floor trader on Wall Street and then an investment broker. During this time he became aware of Black Swan events and learned how to use them to his advantage. The author developed a positive attitude toward capitalism as the best means to innovation, while he determined that socialism could never innovate much of anything.

Tone

The author's tone moved from straight exposition with embedded dry wit to an...