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Algorithms to Live By
368 pages, 2017
An exploration of how computer algorithms can be applied to our everyday lives to solve common decision-making problems and illuminate the workings of the human mind.
What should we do or leave undone in a day or a lifetime? How much messiness should we accept? What balance of the new and familiar is the most fulfilling? These may seem like uniquely human quandaries, but they are not.
Computers, like us, confront limited space and time, so computer scientists have been grappling with similar problems for decades. And the solutions they’ve found have much to teach us.
In a dazzlingly interdisciplinary work, Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths show how algorithms developed for computers also untangle very human questions. They explain how to have better hunches when to leave things to chance, how to deal with overwhelming choices, and how best to connect with others.
From finding a spouse to finding a parking spot, from organizing one’s inbox to peering into the future, Algorithms to Live By transforms the wisdom of computer science into strategies for human living.
Brian Christian introduces the concept of 'Optimal Stopping' in his book. It's a principle that helps you make decisions at the right time. For instance, when to stop looking for a better parking spot and just park. It's a fascinating concept that can help you make better decisions in your daily life.
The book explores the 'Explore vs Exploit' dilemma. It's about balancing the need to gather information (explore) and taking action based on the information you already have (exploit). This concept can be applied in various aspects of life, from deciding where to eat to making business decisions.
Christian digs into the world of 'Sorting and Searching' algorithms. He explains how these algorithms work and how they can be applied in real life. For example, how to organize your closet or find a specific email in your inbox. It's a great way to understand how to be more efficient in your daily tasks.
In 'Algorithms to Live By', you'll find a whole section dedicated to 'Scheduling'. Brian Christian explains how computer algorithms can help us manage our time better. It's a great way to learn how to prioritize tasks and manage your time more effectively.
The book also takes a look at 'Game Theory', a mathematical model of strategic interaction. Christian explains how it can be used to make better decisions in situations where the outcome depends on the actions of others. It's a fascinating concept that can help you navigate complex social situations.
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A captivating exploration of the intersection between computer science, human decision-making, and daily life.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founderCompelling and entertaining, Algorithms to Live By is packed with practical advice about how to use time, space, and effort more efficiently.
Tim Harford - Economist, JournalistA fascinating insight into the world of algorithms and how they influence our lives.
Alex Bellos - Mathematical WriterAlgorithms to Live By truly delivers on the promise of its title, providing a unique perspective on life through the lens of computer science.
Dan Ariely - Behavioral EconomistThis book is a brilliant combination of science and practicality, demonstrating how algorithms can guide us in our daily decisions.
Brian Eno - Musician, Producer
