What We Are Reading Today: ‘On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything’

Photo/Supplied
Short Url
Updated 02 February 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything’

“On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything” is a 2024 nonfiction book by Nate Silver.

It is a bold attempt to dissect the nature of risk-taking, blending personal experiences, analytical thinking, and societal commentary.

Known for his expertise in data analysis, Silver ventures into a more narrative-driven exploration of the psychology and consequences of making bold decisions.

Silver’s ability to simplify complex ideas is one of the book’s standout features.

His writing is engaging and approachable, with real-world examples — such as poker games, sports betting, and entrepreneurial ventures — bringing his points to life.

The concept of dividing people into two groups, “The River” (risk-takers) and “The Village” (risk-averse), provides an interesting albeit confusing framework for readers to evaluate their own attitudes toward risk.

Additionally, the chapter outlining “Thirteen Habits of Successful Risk-takers” leans heavily into motivational territory, which may feel out of place for readers expecting a more analytical or data-driven approach.

Another shortcoming is the book’s limited exploration of ethical concerns. While Silver highlights the ingenuity and daring of risk-takers, he largely avoids deeper discussions about the potential downsides of such behavior.

Topics of societal risks associated with reckless decision-making in industries like technology are mentioned but not examined in detail. This lack of critical engagement leaves some aspects of the discussion feeling underdeveloped.

“On the Edge” is an engaging read that will appeal to fans of Silver’s previous work and those curious about how bold choices shape individual lives and society.

However, while it succeeds as an exploration of boldness and strategy, it falls short as a thorough analysis of risk’s broader implications.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘On Task’ by David Badre

Updated 05 June 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘On Task’ by David Badre

Why is it hard to text and drive at the same time? How do you resist eating that extra piece of cake? Why does staring at a tax form feel mentally exhausting? 

From making a cup of coffee to buying a house to changing the world around them, humans are uniquely able to execute necessary actions.

How do we do it? Or in other words, how do our brains get things done? In “On Task,” cognitive neuroscientist David Badre presents the first authoritative introduction to the neuroscience of cognitive control—the remarkable ways that our brains devise sophisticated actions to achieve our goals.


Book Review: ‘The Culture Map’ by Erin Meyer

Updated 04 June 2025
Follow

Book Review: ‘The Culture Map’ by Erin Meyer

“The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer, which was published in 2014, discusses the cultural differences between people and how they influence business interactions.

American author and professor at INSEAD Business School, Meyer talks from personal experience about fundamental points to pay attention to while having interactions with international business owners, peers, or clients.

She uncovers the meaning behind certain behaviors and suggests solutions to overcome the differences between people to accomplish shared goals.

As a cross-cultural management expert, Meyer discusses the elements that contribute to people’s communication and collaboration, including evaluation, persuasion, leadership, decision-making, and trust.

Using practical examples, she explains how misunderstandings sometimes happen when people interpret attitudes using their own lens, which may not be appropriate when relying on personal background and general understanding of the world.

She writes about people appreciating and focusing on what they find meaningful to them. Some cultures value direct feedback, while others tend to lean toward indirect communication when asked to give an opinion.

In addition, the author provides strategies to overcome differences and find common ground, focusing on the importance of learning and understanding cultural norms, and also being adaptable when an individual becomes part of an international team.

She also encourages readers to understand and respect other traditions to build effective relationships with the world around us.

“The Culture Map” is a guide for people who may be working in multicultural environments and want to elevate teamwork while improving intercultural skills.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Importance of Being Educable’ by Leslie Valiant

Updated 04 June 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Importance of Being Educable’ by Leslie Valiant

We are at a crossroads in history. If we hope to share our planet successfully with one another and the AI systems we are creating, we must reflect on who we are, how we got here, and where we are heading.

“The Importance of Being Educable” puts forward a provocative new exploration of the extraordinary facility of humans to absorb and apply knowledge.

The remarkable “educability” of the human brain can be understood as an information processing ability.


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Deadly Force’

Updated 03 June 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Deadly Force’

Authors: Tom S. Clark, Adam N. Glynn, & Michael Leo Owens 

Police shootings in America spark outrage and protest and raise questions about police use of lethal force. Yet despite the attention given to high-profile shootings, it is extremely difficult to draw wider conclusions about the frequency and outcomes of police gunfire because there is no systematic and centralized source of information on these incidents.

This pioneering book draws on original data, compiled by the authors, to examine police shootings, both fatal and non-fatal, in hundreds of American cities. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Volcanoes: Crucibles of Change’

Updated 02 June 2025
Follow

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Volcanoes: Crucibles of Change’

Author: Richard V. Fisher

“Volcanoes: Crucibles of Change” explores the science and mystery of volcanoes. The author chronicles not only their geologic behavior but also their profound effect on human life.

The book covers the surprisingly large variety of volcanoes, the subtle to conspicuous signs preceding their eruptions, and their far-reaching atmospheric consequences, according to a review on goodreads.com.

Tourists will find their scientific curiosity whetted by this informative and entertaining book.