In 'Fool by Randomness' by Nussim Nicholas Tullib, the author's colorful writing style makes the lessons more absorbable and memorable. The book emphasizes the importance of remembering the downside risk and potential ruin in any game. The author shares these insights with his Israeli undergraduates, prompting one to question why this idea is not more commonly recognized.
Psychologist and writer Adam Mastroianni says our minds are like the keep of a castle protecting our deepest held values and beliefs from even the most skilled attacks. The only problem with this design for self-preservation is that it also can keep out wisdom that might be both useful and true. Mastroianni's summary of the problem is "you can't reach the brain through the ears." Listen as Mastroianni talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the implication of this view of mind for teaching, learning, and our daily interactions with the people around us.