Thank you for this explanation that even I can understand. And for the kind and measured tone of your response.For what it's worth, I'm unaware of the writings of Nassim Taleb. And I'm a grateful (73-year old) runner who always appreciates your advice on fitness.
He’s an excellent writer and his books (generally about stats, bias, economics, decision making etc) are fantastic. I’d recommend them. He is, however, someone who often talks critically about people stepping out of their areas of expertise but will occasionally (as in this case) fall victim to it himself.
Great explanation. Thank you! I found the X conversation shocking. It' utterly bizzare that grown men feel the need to insult others in that way instead of having a civil conversation.
I always appreciate your educated viewpoint and that you share it with us. It's an interesting conversation with many variables to consider. It's too bad he couldn't engage you in dialog. There's no need to name call, but I also don't have a problem with the word retard. It's been in the English language for a long time.
The problem with the word isn't how new it is, it's that it's now used as a pejorative. Being respectful towards any particular class of people (including those with intellectual disabilities) means not using their descriptors as insults.
Taleb might have forgotten that he wrote the book Anti Fragile, where's his trait of anti fragile when he's calling someone bro science retard. How much of he knows about exercise is quiet a big question here.
This is one issue with social media, as Mike Tyson used to say, “Social media has made you far too comfortable with disrespecting people without getting punched in the face for it.”
Anybody calling you "bro science" is hilarious, you're the opposite. He's out of his element
Only 3 certainties in life: death, taxes and being insulted by Taleb.
Thank you for this explanation that even I can understand. And for the kind and measured tone of your response.For what it's worth, I'm unaware of the writings of Nassim Taleb. And I'm a grateful (73-year old) runner who always appreciates your advice on fitness.
He’s an excellent writer and his books (generally about stats, bias, economics, decision making etc) are fantastic. I’d recommend them. He is, however, someone who often talks critically about people stepping out of their areas of expertise but will occasionally (as in this case) fall victim to it himself.
Taleb got serious brain rot from being on Twitter. I see stuff like that and am glad I stopped logging on a long time ago.
https://open.substack.com/pub/gordobyrn/p/a-habit-of-lashing-out?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=h7pay
Another example for what I mean, you aren't the first to get this treatment.
That wasn’t very resilient of you Nassim
quite antifragile of him!
Instant dislike of Taleb. Even if he was right, there are more mature ways of saying it.
Great explanation. Thank you! I found the X conversation shocking. It' utterly bizzare that grown men feel the need to insult others in that way instead of having a civil conversation.
I always appreciate your educated viewpoint and that you share it with us. It's an interesting conversation with many variables to consider. It's too bad he couldn't engage you in dialog. There's no need to name call, but I also don't have a problem with the word retard. It's been in the English language for a long time.
The problem with the word isn't how new it is, it's that it's now used as a pejorative. Being respectful towards any particular class of people (including those with intellectual disabilities) means not using their descriptors as insults.
Taleb might have forgotten that he wrote the book Anti Fragile, where's his trait of anti fragile when he's calling someone bro science retard. How much of he knows about exercise is quiet a big question here.
Taleb sure is a prickly fella
This is one issue with social media, as Mike Tyson used to say, “Social media has made you far too comfortable with disrespecting people without getting punched in the face for it.”
And here we have the best response to a petulant child. Thanks Steve. ❤️
"The internet has ruined far too many brains"
^ this. It's astonishing how many supposedly smart people now casually throw out X-words on twitter
Being brilliant doesn’t mean you can’t be a jerk…Talib has proven this by using a terrible slur to a great coach. Now to your point, there was a great article in the NY Times about Dick Van Dyke on how to live to 100. Sounds like he’s been listening to Coach Magness https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/28/well/dick-van-dyke-health-habits.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share
You’re so right, we do need to get outside, move and touch the grass… I would add — Preferably without our phones.
Sadly this is the kind of behavior you should expect from most people still posting on Twitter