I select a very small number of things to be skeptical about, such as markets, and on these I am hypersceptic. But I want to be fooled by randomness in art. I want the ceremonial of religion; we are made for it.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

It has been more profitable for us to bind together in the wrong direction than to be alone in the right one. Those who have followed the assertive idiot rather than the introspective wise person have passed us some of their genes. This is apparent from a social pathology: psychopaths rally followers.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

It took us a while to discover that we do effectively think, but that we more readily narrate backward in order to give ourselves the illusion of understanding, and give a cover to our past actions.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Just as no monkey is as good-looking as the ugliest of humans, no academic is worthier than the worst of the creators

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Know how to rank your beliefs not according to their plausibility but by the harm they may cause.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Life is about execution rather than purpose.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Love without sacrifice is like theft

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Luck is the grand equalizer.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Meditation is a way to be narcissistic without hurting anyone

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Missing a train is only painful if you run after it! Likewise, not matching the idea of success others expect from you is only painful if that’s what you are seeking.

— Nassim Nicholas Taleb