Economics · Critical thinking and decisions
The Black Swan
Taleb argues that rare, unpredictable events shape history, markets and our lives far more than we admit, and that we fool ourselves with stories and forecasts that ignore them.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 2007
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 366
- Format
- Book 2 of 5 in Incerto
Read this if you enjoy opinionated, wide-ranging arguments about risk and uncertainty.
Skip this if you dislike abrasive authors who dismiss experts and repeat their central point.
The feel
Content warnings
None noted yet.
Quick answers about The Black Swan
- What is The Black Swan about?
- Taleb argues that rare, unpredictable events shape history, markets and our lives far more than we admit, and that we fool ourselves with stories and forecasts that ignore them.
- Who should read The Black Swan?
- Read it if you enjoy opinionated, wide-ranging arguments about risk and uncertainty. Skip it if you dislike abrasive authors who dismiss experts and repeat their central point.
- How long and how fast is The Black Swan?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 366 pages, first published in 2007.
- Does The Black Swan have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow The Black Swan for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Black Swan; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| 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 | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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