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The Hidden Half

The Unseen Forces That Influence Everything

Michael Blastland author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Atlantic Books

Published:2nd Apr '20

Should be back in stock very soon

The Hidden Half cover

This book encourages skepticism towards experts and highlights the unpredictable elements in life, as seen in The Hidden Half.

In The Hidden Half, the author presents a thought-provoking exploration of uncertainty and the limits of expertise. By examining the unpredictable elements that influence our lives, the book challenges the notion that we can fully understand complex systems. It poses intriguing questions, such as why one smoker might succumb to lung cancer while another lives a long life, emphasizing the role of random variables that often escape our comprehension.

The author argues that while humans possess remarkable intelligence, we often underestimate the extent of our ignorance. This engaging narrative reveals how our attempts to simplify the world can lead us to overlook the inherent chaos and unpredictability that define it. Through a variety of captivating stories drawn from fields like economics, genetics, and science, The Hidden Half illustrates the pitfalls of relying too heavily on expert opinions.

Ultimately, this book serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to remain skeptical of absolute explanations. By recognizing that what works in one context may not apply universally, we can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the world around us. The Hidden Half is not just a critique of expertise; it is an invitation to embrace uncertainty and appreciate the complexity of life.

Highly original and challenging... Once you have read this book, you can't unread it. * Daniel Finkelstein, The Times *
Fascinating and provocative. Blastland is one of the most original thinkers around. * Tim Harford - Financial Times columnist and author of The Undercover Economist *
Elegantly written and mind-expanding, The Hidden Half will enthrall you with its storytelling while educating you with its scientific depth. * Daniel H. Pink - bestselling author of Drive *
Brilliant. Blastland provides an explanation of the need for humility in the face of the inevitable limits to knowledge and our all-too-human temptation to tell stories about the world that go far beyond what the evidence will support. * Diane Coyle - Bennett Professor of Public Policy, Cambridge University *
Fascinating... As John Wooden said, it's what you learn after you know it all that counts. * Andrew Gelman - author of Rich State Poor State Red State Blue State *
Excellent. Blastland makes a compelling case that God is fond of playing dice with the cosmos-and the list of unpredictable things keeps growing, not shrinking. * Phillip Tetlock - bestselling author of Superforecasting *
Beautifully written and often very funny. Anyone making decision that matter should enjoy this book and profit from its lessons. * Dame Frances Cairncross - Chair, Executive Committee of the Institute for Fiscal Studies *
Thought-provoking. * UnHerd *

ISBN: 9781786496393

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 22mm

Weight: 263g

304 pages

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