what "philosophy" books do you find most useful?
For me, Fooled by Randomness by Taleb Nassim, although it not may be a philosophy book
Jan 17, 2022Jan 17, 2022
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Comments (29)
Off the top of my head...
Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" are worth a read, especially in an investing context. Puts an interesting spin on the typical probabilistic thinking in investing via stoic considerations on what is and isn't within your control. Good for mental health too.
I like to think about Mauboussin as a philosopher of the markets: "Expectations Investing", "More than you know" are pretty good reads. Not outright philosophy treatises, but interesting to see that sort of erudite mentality applied to investing. In that same vein, "Thinking in bets" is a fun read with some nifty "a-ha!" moments spread throughout.
"Alchemy of Finance" is a book that likely falls within your definition of "Philosophy", definitely worth a read.
Antifragile is solid. I like Farnam Street stuff too.
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I'd rather just read Taleb's twitter instead where he just tells people to fuck off
He is an opinionated guy for sure.
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Traditional Japanese philosophy literature such as Hagakure , Banshenshukai and Gorin No Sho ( The book of the five rings) are superb and refreshing lectures that I vividly recommend to anyone looking for the edge of a natural balance in connection with the inner self in the midst of a competitive and fierce environment, priceless.
Ninja manual. I am intrigued.
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A little excerpt "The basic principle of the shinobi is to have correct mind in all respects, even though the
end results of this art are conspiracy and deception. Therefore, unless you can control your
mind in a righteous way, you cannot carry out your tactics in a flexible manner. Confucius
says that no man has ever governed himself while his own foundations are confused. What
we call Correct Mind is about keeping benevolence, righteousness, loyalty and fidelity in
check. Without these factors in mind, you cannot attain any great courageous achievement
nor fulfil any tactics required for the circumstances at hand.
Therefore, the Great Learning
1 says, 'If your mind is not present in the "here", you
cannot see even if you look, you cannot hear if you listen, or you cannot taste if you eat.'
'Here' means the principles of benevolence, righteousness, loyalty and fidelity. Those who
take this path should not neglect their roots nor regard the branches too much."
Ulysses by James Joyce
Superforecasting by Tetlock was one of the more recent ones I read that was very good
The fountainhead
cringe
Array
Bump
Julius Evola has some great books
Haha this is paraphrased since I haven't read it for years but the most useful piece of philosophy I've read was in the first chapter of the Republic by Plato.
Plato is just minding his own business, traveling to go teach or something, doesn't matter, when some old buddy or student or whatever sees him.
The old buddy is like "Plato! Yo! Dude good to see you! Why don't you come eat dinner and drink a bunch of wine with me tonight?"
And Plato is like "No man I'm busy, I'm traveling, can't you see that?"
And the buddy is like "I insist, you must come drink wine with me!"
And Plato meditates to the reader: This guy clearly did not just listen to a word I said. He's going to insist I come over for dinner no matter what. I could have told him anything and he'd still insist. You can't convince someone who won't listen.
And in finance... you can't convince someone who won't listen. Don't bother. There's no nobility in butting up against an ignorant rock. Learn to navigate around.
"This Is Water" by David Foster Wallace. It's a very short read as it is from a commencement speech he delivered. The message is relatable and digestible. I encourage others to listen to the speech or read the book.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrOL-ydFMI
one of the best speeches ever
Array
DFW is so great, I've never read his fiction but he has some of the best non-fiction essays I've ever read. A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again and Consider The Lobster are two great compilations of his work.
yup. everyone should read his essay about TV called E Unibus Pluram
Love this, one of the best speeches ever given.
A Theory of Justice by John Rawles changed the way I view the world.
If you're looking for perspective on your personal purpose - The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus (The Stranger and The Rebel are also brilliant but in different ways)
If you're in a mentally stable place and want your shit rocked by an absolutely abysmal read - Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre
My go to for economics/business brain shit - Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
And finally, my personal favorite for economic philosophy which has shaped most of my own personal political-economic beliefs - The Machinery of Freedom by David Friedman
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Just a fascinating way of looking at life and seeing a different perspective.
mans search for meaning by frankl
2nd aurelius meditations and all of nassim taleb
seneca shortness of life and letters from a stoic
Seeking Wisdom I cannot recommend enough. Crisp examples of a critical thinking framework. Great incentive and system structure thinking as well
The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
BAP Bronze Age Mindset
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