The Bed of Procrustes (book)

*The Bed of Procrustes* is a collection of essays by Nassim Nicholas Taleb that explores themes of randomness, human limitations, and the flawed desire for certainty and control. Using the myth of Procrustes, who forced travelers to fit his bed by either stretching or cutting them, Taleb illustrates how people often try to force complex realities into simplified frameworks. The book encourages embracing uncertainty, understanding that models and predictions are inherently imperfect, and recognizing the value of humility in decision-making. It promotes critical thinking about how we interpret and respond to unpredictable aspects of life.