How Not to Be Wrong
How Not to Be Wrong
Jordan Ellenberg
Nick Ganju
Written for an audience of people who have historically been intimidated by math [...] and introduces things in a very simple way, and then works up to more complex concepts. - Nick Ganju
Bill Gates
On the surface it’s about math, but it’s really about how much math plays into our daily lives without our even knowing it. - Bill Gates
Keith Rabois
Keith Rabois mentioned this book on Twitter.
Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
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How Not to Be Wrong

How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking

Jordan Ellenberg
By
Jordan Ellenberg
4.0
1790
ratings on Goodreads

In the enlightening journey that is "How Not to Be Wrong," Jordan Ellenberg transforms the seemingly impenetrable fortress of mathematics into a gleaming bridge connecting the abstract to the everyday. With the deft storytelling of a seasoned raconteur, Ellenberg guides us through a maze of real-life conundrums, from the optimal time to arrive at the airport to the intricacies of lottery systems, revealing the mathematical underpinnings that shape our understanding of the world. Far from the rote formulas and bewildering equations confined to the classroom, Ellenberg's exploration uncovers the vibrant thread of mathematics that weaves through the fabric of everyday life, illuminating the beauty and power of logical reasoning in deciphering the chaos of the human experience. Ellenberg, with the mastery of a mathematician and the narrative flair of a novelist, invites readers on a captivating odyssey through history, psychology, politics, and more, all the while demonstrating how mathematical thinking can illuminate the path to truth and reduce the margin of error in our decisions. "How Not to Be Wrong" is not merely a book about mathematics; it is a profound insight into human reasoning, a toolkit for thinking more clearly, and a compelling argument for the practical application of mathematical principles in understanding the complex world around us. Through engaging anecdotes and accessible explanations, Ellenberg empowers us to see beyond the numbers and grasp the profound implications of mathematical thought in our daily lives, making this work an indispensable companion for anyone seeking to navigate life's uncertainties with greater confidence.

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Released
2014
29 May
Length
480
Pages

4

recommendations

recommendation

Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
Written for an audience of people who have historically been intimidated by math [...] and introduces things in a very simple way, and then works up to more complex concepts. - Nick Ganju
Keith Rabois mentioned this book on Twitter.
On the surface it’s about math, but it’s really about how much math plays into our daily lives without our even knowing it. - Bill Gates
I think we need more math majors who don't become mathematicians. More math major doctors, more math major high school teachers, more math major CEOs, more math major senators. But we won't get there unless we dump the stereotype that math is only worthwhile for kid geniuses.
— Jordan Ellenberg, How Not to Be Wrong

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