Technology · Critical thinking and decisions
Algorithms to Live By
Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths show how computer science ideas such as optimal stopping, caching and sorting can inform everyday choices like when to stop looking for a flat or how to organize a desk.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2016
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you enjoy seeing everyday dilemmas through the lens of math and computing.
Skip this if you want firm rules to follow, since many of the answers are probabilities and trade-offs.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about Algorithms to Live By
- What is Algorithms to Live By about?
- Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths show how computer science ideas such as optimal stopping, caching and sorting can inform everyday choices like when to stop looking for a flat or how to organize a desk.
- Who should read Algorithms to Live By?
- Read it if you enjoy seeing everyday dilemmas through the lens of math and computing. Skip it if you want firm rules to follow, since many of the answers are probabilities and trade-offs.
- How long and how fast is Algorithms to Live By?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read, first published in 2016.
- Does Algorithms to Live By have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow Algorithms to Live By for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Algorithms to Live By; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
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| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
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| Audiobook | ||
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