The Bed of Procrustes

In The Bed of Procrustes, Nassim Nicholas Taleb presents a striking collection of aphorisms and meditations that challenge contemporary views on civilization and human behavior. Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, Taleb critiques societal norms—highlighting how technology shapes humanity, how economic models distort reality, and how intelligence is often inappropriately defined. With a blend of humor and sharp insight, he exposes pervasive self-delusions while advocating for timeless virtues like courage and elegance against modern superficialities.