Why people recommend it
How Not to Be Wrong by Jordan Ellenberg is a 2014 book that masterfully reveals the beauty, logic, and hidden power of mathematics in everyday life. The text demonstrates how mathematical thinking underpins seemingly unrelated aspects of the modern world and decision-making. On an episode of No Stupid Questions in 2023, Stephen Dubner discussed the book while sharing the historical story of Abraham Wald and the missing bullet holes on returning warplanes, noting that the author is a mathematician himself who compiled these illuminating insights. Later, on the Lex Fridman Podcast in 2021, the host welcomed Jordan Ellenberg as a guest and praised the book during the episode's introduction. The host highlighted Ellenberg's role as a mathematician at the University of Wisconsin and commended his ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging to a broad audience through his writing. Across these conversations, the book is consistently praised for bridging the gap between abstract academic theory and practical, real-world problem solving, showing listeners how mathematical reasoning can prevent common cognitive errors and improve understanding of everyday phenomena.
Who recommended it
- Stephen Dubner Discussed
Stephen Dubner — 1 mention
“one is in a book by Jordan Ellenberg who I believe is a mathematician himself and his book is called how not to be wrong”
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“the following is a conversation with jordan ellenberg a mathematician at university of wisconsin and an author who masterfully reveals the beauty and power of mathematics in his 2014 book how not to be wrong”