What I Talk About When I Talk About Running vs. The Black Swan
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a memoir by Haruki Murakami where he talks about two things that define a big part of his life: running and writing. Murakami didn’t always plan on being a novelist. He was running a jazz bar in his twenties when, while watching a baseball game, he suddenly thought, “I could write a novel.” He gave it a shot, it worked out, and he eventually sold his bar to focus on writing full-time. But sitting at a desk all day, smoking and not moving much, wasn’t doing his health any good. That’s when he picked up running. For Murakami, running is more than just exercise—it’s part of his routine and, in a way, a metaphor for writing. Both take endurance. Both are long hauls where you push yourself day after day, even when you don’t feel like it. The book follows him as he trains for marathons, competes in triathlons, and grapples with the slow decline of his physical abilities as he ages. He talks a lot about acceptance—accepting getting older, accept...
The Black Swan
"The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of rare and unpredictable events, termed "Black Swans." Taleb argues that these events, which are often overlooked or underestimated, have massive consequences on our world. He highlights the limitations of traditional forecasting methods and emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Blending philosophy, economics, and personal anecdotes, Taleb provides a compelling critique of our understanding of risk and uncertainty. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, economics, and understanding the unpredictable nature of our world.
Reviews
Reviewed on 2/28/2024
I read this book when I first started running long distance. I was living in Chiang Mai and I'd go this huge park a couple of times a week and just run loops around the lake. At the end of my run I'd grab a milk tea and a banana bread from a local coffee shop and just read a few pages. Great memories of many chill evenings, running and reading about running.
Reviews
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
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| Easy read | 1 | |
| Motivating | 1 | |
| Peaceful | 1 |
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| No cons yet, would you like to add one? | ||
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| Insightful exploration of unpredictability | 1 | |
| Challenges conventional wisdom | 1 | |
| Rich with real-world examples | 1 |
| Item | Votes | Upvote |
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| Complex and dense material | 1 | |
| Occasional digressions | 1 | |
| Some readers find Taleb's tone abrasive | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' by Haruki Murakami is generally considered an easy read, making it accessible to a wider audience, including those who may not be avid readers. In contrast, 'The Black Swan' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is known for its complex and dense material, which may be challenging for some readers. Therefore, if you're looking for a more straightforward and motivating read, Murakami's book would be the better choice.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' provides practical insights related to personal discipline, motivation, and the relationship between physical activity and creativity. It is relatable for anyone interested in self-improvement. On the other hand, 'The Black Swan' offers insights into risk management and the unpredictability of events, which can be applied in various fields such as economics and decision-making. Depending on your interests, Murakami's book may resonate more with those seeking personal growth, while Taleb's book is suited for those interested in understanding complex systems and risk.
'The Black Swan' is specifically designed to challenge conventional wisdom regarding risk and unpredictability, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in economics and philosophy. In contrast, 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' focuses more on personal experiences and reflections rather than challenging broader societal norms. Therefore, if you are looking for a book that critiques established ideas, 'The Black Swan' would be the better option.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is often described as a motivating read, particularly for those interested in running or personal challenges. Murakami's reflections on perseverance and the joy of running can inspire readers. In contrast, while 'The Black Swan' offers valuable insights, its focus on unpredictability and risk may not provide the same level of motivation for personal endeavors. Thus, for motivation, Murakami's book is likely the better choice.
'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is a memoir by Haruki Murakami that explores the intertwined themes of running and writing. Murakami shares his journey from running a jazz bar to becoming a novelist, detailing how running became a crucial part of his life and a metaphor for his writing process. The book reflects on endurance, acceptance of aging, and the highs and lows of both running and writing.
Pros of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' include its easy readability, motivating content, and the peaceful tone of Murakami's writing. There are no cons listed for this book, indicating that readers generally find it to be a positive experience.
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and themes of loneliness and existentialism. He gained international fame with novels such as 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore.' In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' he shares personal insights into his life as a writer and runner.
The writing style of 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running' is straightforward and conversational, as if Murakami is sharing his thoughts over coffee. He often includes personal anecdotes and reflections, making the narrative relatable and engaging for readers.
In 'What I Talk About When I Talk About Running,' memorable moments include Murakami's experiences training for marathons, his reflections on aging and acceptance, and the simple joys of running, such as the satisfaction of finishing a race and enjoying a cold beer afterward. His vivid descriptions of running the original marathon route in Greece also stand out.
'The Black Swan' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a seminal work that explores the profound impact of rare and unpredictable events, termed 'Black Swans.' Taleb argues that these events, which are often overlooked or underestimated, have massive consequences on our world. He highlights the limitations of traditional forecasting methods and emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Blending philosophy, economics, and personal anecdotes, Taleb provides a compelling critique of our understanding of risk and uncertainty. This book is essential for anyone interested in risk management, economics, and understanding the unpredictable nature of our world.
Pros of 'The Black Swan' include its insightful exploration of unpredictability, its challenge to conventional wisdom, and its richness with real-world examples. However, the cons are that the material can be complex and dense, there are occasional digressions, and some readers may find Taleb's tone abrasive.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a scholar, statistician, and former trader, known for his work on the role of randomness, probability, and uncertainty in financial markets and life. He is the author of several books, including 'The Black Swan,' 'Antifragile,' and 'Fooled by Randomness,' which explore the impact of rare and unpredictable events.
