Nassim Taleb – The Bed of Procrustes

In a nutshell (128 pages) this book is about how systems, governments and more try to create environments where people are metaphorically stretched out or cut to size to fit the world view of the environments creators. One simple example is a one-size fits all education system where different people with different capabilities and learning styles are forced into the same educational system no matter how poor a fit they might be.

What I got out of it

A much better way of looking at many of the environments and systems that I take part in in my life. While I definitely don’t feel as though I am unlucky enough to be a part of some unnatural or unhealthy system, I can see how many important aspects of life are not necessarily what we want or need. This book offers a better mental framework for how we build and live our lives.

What was difficult

Aside from the story of Procrustes being very unpleasant there is nothing particularly jarring or disquieting for the reader. Also, this is by far one of Taleb’s shorter books so really not bad at all.

Recommendation

Anyone who is an employer, involved in education or raising a family can definitely benefit from this book. That said anyone who is allowed to vote and anyone who deals with large organizations regularly can also benefit greatly from the insights of this book.