Omnifragile

WRITTEN BY: DR. MICHAEL BEAU O’NEILL ON DECEMBER 9, 2023

Introduction

In Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s (NNT) groundbreaking work, Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder, the author challenges traditional perspectives on resilience and introduces the concept of antifragility. Rooted in both financial expertise and philosophical insight, Taleb urges readers to view “volatility, randomness, and disorder,” not as threats but as opportunities for growth.[1] He opens his prologue with “Wind extinguishes a candle and energizes a fire.” This paradoxical theme is present throughout the book as he encourages his readers to embrace the randomness and not hide from the stressors. He says, “Be the fire and wish for the wind.”[2] In the following blog, I will delve into a few of the transformative concepts outlined in this paradigm-shifting book as it relates to my current leadership style and understanding.

Taleb, and the Essence of Antifragility

Taleb has embraced the “New Yorker” personality although he was “born and raised in Lebanon and completed his education in France.”[3] Taleb is an interesting author who offers humor, insight, and a unique perspective on strength and resilience from his wide range of experience and positions in his career. Taleb states, “There is no word for the exact opposite of fragile,” which is the foundation of his unique philosophy, so he coined the name, Antifragile.[4] His central idea revolves around the notion of antifragility, a term he also created to describe the various systems that not only withstand disorder but thrive on it. Drawing from evolutionary biology and many complex systems theories, Taleb asserts that entities labeled as antifragile actively benefit and gain strength from exposure to randomness, chaos, and uncertainty.

Omnifragile Leadership

Taleb’s antifragile philosophy challenges the prevailing emphasis on stability and control. This is something my wife could never support. She is the type that schedules things months in advance and adheres to a strict schedule – often compromising because of her family’s antifragility. Chaos is her worst nightmare (except in her car) and it bothers her that, my daughter, my mom, and I, are somewhat ‘free spirits’ and let the ‘chips fall where they may.’ I would classify myself as ‘omni-fragile’ because I am  frontstage and resilient in certain scenarios, and I tend to lead with backstage vulnerability and “allow” the Spirit to guide me in many other situations. Neither is exclusive to work, marriage, parenting, or time management. I see this as a positive (mostly) and it works (mostly), but it has become clear through our readings that it is also a often a product of evading responsibility. Simon Walker warns that backstage exclusivity will create less of a connection with followers and a life where “unmet needs and unresolved problems” breed happily.[5]

Syntopical Analysis

I have revealed several personal leadership hesitations and a tug to spend more time frontstage in previous blogs and interviews. I think that is why I am drawn to Taleb’s argument. The more time I spend backstage, the more disorder tends to reveal itself. So, I have to support it if I wish to continue to procrastinate and embrace the chaos. A lot of our books have helped me understand my habits and origins of thought (Lieberman, Kahneman, Walker, Peterson, etc.) but I’m still pondering how it relates exactly to my leadership role and future. The syntopical essays and interviews have been extremely beneficial in my personal evaluation because they force reflection. I can relate to all of our readings in some way but the syntopical discussions promote comprehension and expose the stirrings from our learning. I’m still in the “know thyself” stage however, each one of these books, our portfolio, and our discussions as a cohort has pushed me into a more balanced and strategic state of “nosce te ipsum.” I appreciate the support for my chaos this week from Taleb but I have to set boundaries if I wish to be my best. That definitely involves order and control. I am grateful for the wisdom gained from pitfalls - but I would also like to avoid them.

‘Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.’[6]

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[1] Taleb, Nassim Nicholas, Antifragile, 15

[2] Ibid, 15

[3] ChatGPT, Prompt: “When did Nassim Nicholas Taleb come to New York?”

[4] Taleb, Nassim Nicholas, Antifragile, 15

[5] Walker, Simon, Leading Out Of Who You Are, 41

[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 5:3–5.