Customer Reviews

Black Mischief: Language, Life, Logic, Luck-Second Edition

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

David Berlinski combines knowledge of mathematics, physics, and philosophy, with an irreverent attitude and unique writing style. In this book he combines many personal anecdotes with an analysis and overview of (per the title) language, life, logic, and luck.

Berlinksi is disliked by many, partially because he pokes fun at them and partly because he is correct. For example, he remarks that "the sole example of reductionism successfully achieved involves the derivation of thermodynamics from statistical mechanics." and, "Like other men, molecular biologists evidently derive some satisfaction from imagining that the orthodoxy they espouse is ceaselessly under attack."

Of his many books, I find this one, "Black Mischief" and "The Devil's Delusion" to be by far his best. If you are free of orthodoxy, you'll probably enjoy it, otherwise you may not wish to venture here. One need not agree with every aspect of Berlinski's reasoning to find it entertaining. But, as you may gather from other reviews, if it's your ox being gored, you probably won't enjoy it. In particular, if you worship academia, steer clear.

David Berlinski is one of my favorite writers, and my 5 stars are to offset the dreary lack of appreciation in the above review. I read this a long time ago, and plan to read it again now.

Berlinski once again proves his genius in capturing game theory in an easy to read format and expanding the reader's spectrum. Comparable to the works of Richard Feynman.

Berlinski's Black Mischief is easily the worst book I have ever attempted to read. His arrogance and snarky wit are overwhelming. I gave up around page 50 when it became more than obvious he had absolutely nothing to say in the book. According to his preface, the second addition is better than the first. God help the first. Berlinski's writing certainly can't.