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A review by ryanjjames
How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking by Jordan Ellenberg
3.0
I found this to be brilliant in spots, but there was quite a bit of “math word play” that I didn’t invest the time/attention to completely follow the logic. Ellenberg does a great job of simplifying complex topics that have evolved over centuries and provides thought provoking tools on how to apply those theories to real world issues. Things like the inverted u shaped Laffer curve to tell if more of a will increase or decrease b, the 2x2 matrix to scatterplot results to see whether there is causation or correlation, etc. are valuable. But he also devoted quite a bit of time to wordy math issues that were difficult to follow (political race outcomes, lotto roll down results). On balance, I am glad that I read this book but also glad that it ended.
From the AI:
"How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking" is an ambitious exploration of the applications of mathematical thinking in various aspects of our lives. While the book tackles complex topics with enthusiasm, it occasionally suffers from an overabundance of technical detail that might overwhelm readers without a strong mathematical background.
The author, Jordan Ellenberg, has a knack for explaining intricate mathematical concepts, but at times, the explanations can become convoluted, making it challenging for readers to grasp the core ideas. Additionally, some sections of the book feel overly lengthy, causing the pacing to drag.
However, where the book shines is in its real-world examples and anecdotes, which help illustrate the practicality of mathematical thinking. These stories provide valuable insights into how mathematical principles can be applied to everyday situations, making the content more relatable.
In summary, "How Not to Be Wrong" is a mixed bag. It offers valuable insights into the power of mathematical thinking but may require readers to have a certain level of mathematical proficiency to fully appreciate its content. If you're willing to wade through the technical aspects, you'll find nuggets of wisdom that can genuinely enhance your analytical skills and perspective on the world
From the AI:
"How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking" is an ambitious exploration of the applications of mathematical thinking in various aspects of our lives. While the book tackles complex topics with enthusiasm, it occasionally suffers from an overabundance of technical detail that might overwhelm readers without a strong mathematical background.
The author, Jordan Ellenberg, has a knack for explaining intricate mathematical concepts, but at times, the explanations can become convoluted, making it challenging for readers to grasp the core ideas. Additionally, some sections of the book feel overly lengthy, causing the pacing to drag.
However, where the book shines is in its real-world examples and anecdotes, which help illustrate the practicality of mathematical thinking. These stories provide valuable insights into how mathematical principles can be applied to everyday situations, making the content more relatable.
In summary, "How Not to Be Wrong" is a mixed bag. It offers valuable insights into the power of mathematical thinking but may require readers to have a certain level of mathematical proficiency to fully appreciate its content. If you're willing to wade through the technical aspects, you'll find nuggets of wisdom that can genuinely enhance your analytical skills and perspective on the world