Using new words for existing concepts shows a lack of interest to delve deep into the existing state-of-the-art. Anti-fragile is another example. Why not call i

Using new words for existing concepts shows a lack of interest to delve deep into the existing state-of-the-art. Anti-fragile is another example. Why not call it sturdy, robust, solid. Dude, English's been around long enough to have words for that concept! Taleb's merits are more literally than substantial. He's - and I hesitate to say this - somewhat of a charlatan. He targets an audience that considers itself smart, casts experts outside as idiots or malicious hucksters (but not his readers of course, who, with his help, see through the ruse), uses a few TedX-ie rethorics to present a supposed alternative revolutionary idea (like using big words, or using unexpected multi-disciplinary comparisons), and all done with supreme confidence. As long as he's selling books and talks, it's fine and fun, but I would never ask him to look after my laptop when going to the bathroom in Starbucks.