Models. Behaving. Badly.

Why Confusing Illusion with Reality Can Lead to Disaster, on Wall Street and in Life

Emanuel Derman

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"Models. Behaving. Badly." by Emanuel Derman is a compelling exploration of the limitations and misconceptions of financial models. Derman, a renowned physicist-turned-Wall Street quant, delves into the world of mathematical models used in finance and exposes their inherent flaws.

In this thought-provoking book, Derman argues that models are imperfect representations of reality, often failing to capture the complexity and irrationality of human behavior. He reveals the dangers of blindly trusting models, recounting his personal experiences in the financial industry to illustrate the consequences of relying too heavily on these tools.

Through captivating anecdotes, Derman offers a critical analysis of the overreliance on quantitative models and explains why they often lead to disastrous outcomes. He challenges the prevailing belief that models can accurately predict the future, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of financial markets and human decision-making.

While examining the shortcomings of models, Derman also highlights the importance of their proper use. He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of models as useful tools that require constant scrutiny and adjustments. By embracing the uncertainties and limitations of models, Derman suggests that individuals can make more informed and pragmatic decisions in the realm of finance.

"Models. Behaving. Badly." compels readers to question the false sense of certainty provided by models and encourages a more thoughtful approach to financial decision-making. Derman's unique perspective and expertise make this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of mathematics, finance, and human behavior.

Explore More Books

See All
Models. Behaving. Badly.
The One Sentence Persuasion Course
ANSI Common Lisp
Originals
Bull!
Conquest, Tribute & Trade
The Fountainhead
A Soldier of the Great War
Concentrated Investing
It's Earnings That Count
Being You
A Mathematician's Apology
Restoring Our Republic
The Worlds I See
Ender's Game
The Crisis of Global Capitalism
Second Foundation
The Greatness Mindset
God Emperor of Dune
Active Inference
Philosophy and Scientific Realism
Take Back The Game
Thinking and Deciding
Expert Political Judgement
Bringing Down The House
The Making of a Philosopher
Dance to the Tune of Life
When The Wolves Bite
Work Hard. Be Nice.
Walden
The Attention Merchants
The Smartest Investment Book You'll Ever Read
Capital In The 21st Century
War Nerd
Antifragile
How to Teach Your Baby Math
Moonwalking with Einstein
The Making of Europe
Foundation
Vasistha's Yoga
Programming Bitcoin
Chasing the Light
The Most Important Thing
Call Me by Your Name
Unelected Power
Dreamstate
The Money Game
Born To Run
Bel Canto
The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get
David Foster Wallace
The Quiet American
The Hate U Give
Blood and Thunder
Give and Take
Awakening Joy
The Complete Stories
The Statistical Mechanics of Financial Markets
Bet The Farm
Working in Public
The First Conspiracy
A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories
A Random Walk Down Wall Street
How to Dress an Egg
The Skeptical Environmentalist
The Emotionally Intelligent Investor
The Museum of Other People
The Making of a Manager
Nothing To Lose
How to Be Topp
Lives of the Eminent Philosophers
The Serengeti Rules
The Smartest Guys In The Room
The Holy Grail of Investing
Rise of the Machines
Mess
Once a Warrior
Conflicted
Letters to a Young Scientist
The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem
Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance?
Emergency
The Truth Machine
Bureaucracy
Globalizing Capital
It's All Too Much
The Craft
All Quiet on the Western Front
Sustainable Energy Without the Hot Air
The Most Important Thing Illuminated
The Courage To Be Disliked
McMafia
Growth IQ
Change.edu
Trump
Spain in Our Hearts
The Untethered Soul
Changing Minds
The Wisdom of Crowds
Range