Algorithms to Live By is a book by Brian Christian that details the computer science of human decisions. The book covers several algorithms, such as how to optimize one’s schedule or how best to allocate resources. It also examines decision-making strategies, like satisficing and regret avoidance.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to learn more about how computer science can be used to make better human decisions. It will be of particular interest to people in fields like business or law, but it is accessible to a general audience.
Pros :
- The book is very well researched and provides a lot of useful information.
- The algorithms discussed in the book are relevant to everyday life.
- The author presents information in an engaging and easy-to-read manner.
Cons :
- The book can be dense at times and may require a lot of focus to follow.
- Some of the material in the book may be unfamiliar or difficult to understand for those without a computer science background.
- The examples used throughout the text can be esoteric and hard to relate to everyday life situations.
Learn more about the author
Brian Christian is a computer scientist and author. He has written for The Atlantic, Nature, and Aeon Magazine, among other publications.
Reader Reviews
“If you are interested in how your mind works, or how computers work for that matter, then this book is definitely for you. Brian Christian has done an excellent job at explaining complex algorithms and decision theories in a way that anyone can understand.”
“The clearest and most interesting explanation of how algorithms work that I have ever read”
“If you’re at all interested in how your mind works (or, more surprisingly, in the inner workings of computers), or if you just like thinking about fun puzzles, then this is a great book for you. Christian offers up some very clever ways to look at complex problems and breaks them down into manageable chunks.”
“If you are looking for a new perspective on how to make decisions, this book is definitely for you…Christian’s writing style makes the complex topic of computer science easy to follow and interesting to read.”
