“I know that in your books, you often mention Armenians as your childhood friends with whom you played and often argued. I think you know more about Armenians than other people,” RA Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan said at the press conference dedicated to the “Days of Science and Business 2023” event, addressing this year’s main speaker, scientist, writer, and philosopher Nasim Taleb via video call.
Nassim Taleb said that many of their neighbors in Lebanon were Armenians, and there was a saying: you must have an Armenian friend. “Culturally, they saw a great connection with Armenians. By the way, when I say neighbors, I don’t mean only Beirut, where I grew up.”
Quoting the statement made in one of his books about Thales of Miletus, who was a poor philosopher at first, but later became rich and rented the olive factories near Miletus, Vahan Kerobyan reminded him of the statement that those who can do they do those who cannot do, they philosophize. Then the minister asked Taleb if that expression was not outdated and what to replace the word philosophize with now.
“It’s one of my favorite stories I’ve written about in my book “Antifragility”. The book is also related to chaos. Considering everything happening in Armenia, there is a chaotic situation near you and the world. It is important to discuss the idea of anti-fragility in this context. Armenia has not only intellectual but also spiritual importance for me.”
Answering one of the questions, the renowned scientist recalled his childhood. “My father was a doctor when I was young; he offered me several options… He asked what you wanted to study at the university: to become a physician, a writer, or a business person. I became all three because I now am an outstanding representative of intersectionality. On the one hand, I am engaged in trade; on the other hand, I write books; I am also a scientist, and my works deal with probability, chaos, and world order.”
Let us add that this year the “Science and Business Days 2023” event will be held on December 1-2. It is organized by the initiative of the RA Minister of Economy, bringing together scientists, researchers, business people, and investors from Armenia and the whole world.
The main speaker of this year’s event, Nassim Taleb, is a famous scientist, writer and philosopher. His bestsellers, “The Black Swan” and “Antifragility,” continue to impact science and business profoundly.
The “Days of Science and Business” event was held for the first time in 2022. The event was attended by more than 1000 participants, among who were the primary guest and speaker, Nobel laureate Ardem Pataputyan, and famous astrophysicist Garik Israyelyan.
Gohar HAKOBYAN
