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members of the Athenian assemblies were chosen by lot, a…

“members of the Athenian assemblies were chosen by lot, a method meant to protect the system from degeneracy. Luckily, this effect has been investigated with modern political systems. In a computer simulation, Alessandro Pluchino and his colleagues showed how adding a certain number of randomly…” quote by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
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““members of the Athenian assemblies were chosen by lot, a method meant to protect the system from degeneracy. Luckily, this effect has been investigated with modern political systems. In a computer simulation, Alessandro Pluchino and his colleagues showed how adding a certain number of randomly selected politicians to the process can improve the functioning of the parliamentary system.””

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Randomly selecting some officials can reduce systemic decay and improve parliamentary performance.

In simple terms: Randomness can improve politics.

Key Takeaway

Consider random elements in selection processes.

Themes

politics randomness systems

Mood

analytical critical

Type

theoretical policy.

When to use this quote

  • legislative appointments
  • jury selection
  • corporate boards
  • policy design

Key Concepts

probability institutional design corruption mitigation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How would randomness affect fairness?
  • What safeguards are needed?
A Different Perspective

Randomness may undermine meritocracy.

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