Antifragile
“Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is an exploration of how systems, both natural and artificial, respond to different kinds of stressors. In this review of Talibs’s book, I will focus on Taleb’s perspective on stressors as sources of information and catalysts for improvement.
Central to Taleb’s idea is the concept of antifragility, which he distinguishes from mere resilience or robustness[1]. While resilient entities resist shocks and stay the same, antifragile ones improve when exposed to volatility, randomness, and stressors. Taleb argues that in many systems, stressors are not just challenges to endure but are vital sources of information and growth. In the book Talib stalks about a case when a poisonous substance actually helps the body get better. The word for this is Hormesis, and Taleb says that hormesis is a “word coined by pharmacologists, is when a small dose of a harmful substance is actually beneficial for the organism, acting as medicine. “A little bit of an otherwise offending substance, not too much, acts to benefit the organism and make it better overall as it triggers some overreaction.[2]” They signal where adjustments are needed and provide opportunities for systems to evolve and strengthen.
Taleb delves into how biological systems exemplify this principle. For instance, muscles grow stronger when subjected to the stress of exercise[3], and immune systems develop through exposure to pathogens. This biological response to stressors informs Taleb’s broader philosophical and practical applications in areas like economics, politics, and personal development. Taleb believes that stressors are information, “Now the crux of complex systems, those with interacting parts, is that they convey information to their component parts through stressors, or thanks to the stressors; your body gets information about the environment not through your logical apparatus, your intelligence and ability to reason, compute, and calculate, but through stress, via hormones or other messengers we haven’t discovered yet.[4]”
In the economic realm, Taleb criticizes the tendency to overprotect industries and financial systems, arguing that this suppresses vital stressors. Without the information provided by small shocks, systems become fragile, setting the stage for catastrophic failures. Taleb advocates for decentralized systems, which are more likely to adapt and grow stronger in the face of stressors, as they allow for more variation and experimentation.
On a personal level, Taleb suggests embracing randomness and uncertainty as ways to become antifragile. He advises individuals to expose themselves to controlled risks and stresses[5], learning from minor failures and setbacks. This approach, he argues, not only makes one more adaptable and resilient but also allows for significant personal growth.
Throughout “Antifragile,” Taleb’s key message is that shielding systems and individuals from stressors deprives them of essential information and growth opportunities. By reevaluating our relationship with stress and uncertainty, we can build a more robust, adaptive, and antifragile world.
This idea of antifragility brings to mind the story of Peter’s denial in Luke 22:31 – 32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus was telling Peter that Satan is going to sift you but when you come out the otherside strengthen your brothers. I think of this often when I am going through tough, trying times. I am convinced that God is more interested in delivering us through instead of from. I see it time and time again in the Scriptures.
[1]Taleb, Nassim Nicholas. Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder. Random House, 2012. pgs 40-41
[2] Taleb, Nassim Nicholas. Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder. Random House, 2012. pg 45
[3] Taleb, Nassim Nicholas. Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder. Random House, 2012. pg 65
[4]Taleb, Nassim Nicholas. Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder. Random House, 2012. pg 64
[5] Taleb, Nassim Nicholas. Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder. Random House, 2012. pg 69
8 responses to “Antifragile”
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Daron, I so appreciated your blog and the way you expanded upon and further explained Taleb’s presentation of how stressors can act as information and a means to improvement. Great and insightful way to emphasize this concept through Peter’s story. I especially like this quote: “I am convinced that God is more interested in delivering us through instead of from. I see it time and time again in the Scriptures.” Thank you for this reminder and encouragement to press on through the stressors in life, knowing God is present and committed to getting us to the other side.
Hope you had a good weekend. See you tomorrow.
Thanks Jenny!
Daron, I appreciate you thoughts and found the one around embracing uncertainty in order to become antifragile. I think I could spend another week on thinking through all of this!
I agree, Sara; there was so much in the book that I could definitely benefit from spending more time considering the implications.
Doran,
Are you going to incorporate the practice of hormesis into your research project? This is an interesting concept in leadership as I think about the difficult situations that leaders face. I feel like with every difficult decision that it inoculates me to the stress of making tough decisions. I’ve found that having difficult conversations with church members or staff have the same effect – the more I just go for it, the less I’m stressed about it the next time. Have you experienced something similar in your leadership?
Chad,
Yes I have for sure experienced things similar in my leadership. When I first really got into leadership I was a little more timid in wanting to have those tough conversations. I handled a few really poorly and it cost me. So I determined after those experiences to have those tough conversations first and to be as clear as possible in those conversations. Now, people usually come to me to help them have those difficult conversations.
That a great! I appreciate you sharing those early experiences. I poorly handled some early ones too. I agree that being clear is the key. I put stuff in writing now since I’m not always as clear as I think I am 🙂
Ha! Same, email has been my friend. I always send a recap via email after a conversation. It helps me be clear but also gives them an opportunity to ask questions if they need it.