The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2007

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Part 1, Chapters 5-9

Part 2 Chapters 10-13

Part 3, Chapters 14-18

Part 4, Chapter 19 - Epilogue

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Based on your own observations, experiences, and understanding of current events, select one global-scale event from the past decade. Explain how it qualifies as a Black Swan, according to Taleb's definition.

Discuss the connection between technological advances and the concept of Extremistan. Support your response with direct evidence from the text.

Why does Taleb feel strongly against confirmation bias? What are the potential dangers of relying on confirmation bias to understand history?