On the Edge: Quotes by Nate Silver About Gambling

A woman looking at a neon sign that reads "RISK"

In On the Edge, statistician Nate Silver reveals a surprising truth about power in modern society: The people making the biggest impact—from tech entrepreneurs to hedge fund managers to effective altruists—think like professional gamblers. Drawing on his unique background as both a former poker player and a data journalist, Silver shows how the mathematical mindset of gambling shapes decision-making at the highest levels of business, technology, and philanthropy. As we navigate an increasingly uncertain world, the ability to think probabilistically and make calculated bets has become essential for anyone seeking to make an impact or build wealth. Below, we’ll look

How to Measure Anything by Douglas W. Hubbard: Overview

A businessman measuring with a ruler on a table

In How to Measure Anything, Douglas W. Hubbard challenges conventional notions about measurement and provides practical insights on making informed decisions based on measurable data. An expert in the field of applied information economics, measurement, and decision analysis, Hubbard’s work focuses on helping organizations make better decisions by quantifying uncertainty and measuring things that many believe are unmeasurable.  Below, we’ll explain that measurement is simply the reduction of uncertainty—not the elimination of it; why every measurement needs to be taken to help inform a decision; and we’ll offer some measurement tools and techniques you can use to put these principles

Think Like a Freak by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner: Overview

An artistic image of a person thinking while numbers come from their head

Why do so many people fail to solve problems effectively? How can you use data to solve your problems? Think Like a Freak by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner offers a revolutionary approach to problem-solving. The authors show you how to tackle everything from personal dilemmas to global issues by adopting a data-driven mindset that questions assumptions and embraces unconventional thinking. Keep reading for an overview of the book Think Like a Freak.

On the Edge: Book Overview & Takeaways (Nate Silver)

A man reading a book in the dark

What’s On the Edge by Nate Silver about? What do Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, professional poker players, and effective altruists have in common? According to Nate Silver, all of the people above think like players at a high-stakes poker table. In his book On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything, Silver reveals how the world’s most influential people use probabilistic thinking and calculated risk-taking to achieve extraordinary success. Read more in our On the Edge book overview.

Don’t Trust Your Gut: Overview (Seth Stephens-Davidowitz)

A woman wearing a cream-colored sweater and jeans reading a book that she's holding on her lap

Is big data the guide to making better life decisions? Can millions of data points on behavior replace your own intuition? In his book Don’t Trust Your Gut: Using Data to Get What You Really Want in Life, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz shows how big data can provide scientific answers about which life choices lead to better outcomes. He argues that you should rely on data rather than your intuition. Keep reading to discover how numbers, not narratives or instincts, can help you make smarter choices.

The Role of Luck in Success: What Big Data Shows

A smiling woman in a bright yellow sweater holding a large four-leaf clover illustrates the role of luck in success

What role does luck play in achieving success? Can you strategically increase your chances of catching a lucky break? In his book Don’t Trust Your Gut, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz uses data analysis to explore the role of luck in success. He reveals that, while luck creates opportunities for everyone, those who succeed are the ones who consistently take advantage of these moments. Keep reading to discover how you can tip the odds in your favor by making choices that maximize your chances of success.

Data-Based Decision-Making Is Better Than Trusting Your Gut

A crossroads with one road sign pointing to "DATA" and the other pointing to "GUT" illustrates data-based decision-making

Is your intuition leading you astray? How can you make better life choices using hard data instead of gut feelings? In his book Don’t Trust Your Gut, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz reveals that data-based decision-making is far more reliable than human intuition. He explains how our minds are full of cognitive biases and how we’re easily misled by exceptional stories that we mistakenly believe represent the norm. Keep reading to discover how researchers are determining which choices actually lead to positive outcomes.

How to Choose a Sport (Hint: Don’t Trust Your Gut)

A boy holding a baseball bat illustrates how to choose a sport for you or your child

What athletic path will give your child the greatest chance of success? Which sports rely more on genetics, and which ones reward consistent practice and hard work? Choosing the right sport for your child involves weighing natural abilities against dedication and opportunity. In Don’t Trust Your Gut, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz reveals that diving, weightlifting, and horseback riding reward effort over natural talent, while other sports favor specific genetic traits. Keep reading to discover how to choose a sport that could lead to athletic scholarships and open doors to college education.

How to Be Successful in Love: The Math of “Happy Ever After”

A smiling middle-aged couple (a man with his arm around a woman) illustrates how to be successful in love

What actually makes relationships last? Is traditional dating advice steering you in the wrong direction? In his book Don’t Trust Your Gut, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz reveals surprising data about how to be successful in love. His research shows that conventional attractiveness has little impact on relationship longevity, and he shares what makes you four times more likely to find lasting love. Keep reading to discover what you can do to transform your romantic future.

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz: Dating Data Can Boost Your Chances

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz: Dating Data Can Boost Your Chances

Is finding the right partner online a numbers game? What factors truly matter in the dating marketplace? The book Don’t Trust Your Gut reveals fascinating data on what people look for in romantic partners. Seth Stephens-Davidowitz’s dating research shows that, while physical appearance plays a major role (especially for women), men’s dating success depends on various factors. Keep reading to learn how you can use data to improve your dating prospects and overcome biases in the online dating world.