The Hour Between Dog And Wolf: Risk Taking, Gut Feelings And The Biology Of Boom And Bust (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
As a relatively new father, I was interested to see what effect one of the plagues of childhood development (cortisol) has later in life in so-called real world situations. As an attorney, I wanted to learn more of the cause/effect in my profession with regard to stress. The book did not disappoint in these regards. The fictionalized trading floor storyline was forced and only got in the way of the science-side of the book. "Hormones may build up in the bodies of traders and investors during bull and bear markets to such an extent that they shift risk preferences, amplifying the cycle." Written by John Coates, a neuro-scientist and former Wall Street Trader, it requires no prior knowledge of the subjects and an interesting cross-consideration; that said, it is restricted in depth as a result.The central premise of the book is that brains and bodies are revealed by modern neuroscience to be far more integrated when making decisions, particularly focusing on 'gut' decisions that athletes and traders are required to make. There is a whole host of automatic responses that our bodies make to prepare us to fight or flee, including changes in breathing and heart rates, and, importantly for this book, hormone levels. Much of the focus is on how testosterone, dopamine, cortisol and noradrenaline, and the amygdala, hypothalamus, locus ceruleus and vagus nerve - affect our response to variability, new knowledge, feelings of hopelessness, and risk-taking.
What do You think about The Hour Between Dog And Wolf: Risk Taking, Gut Feelings And The Biology Of Boom And Bust (2012)?
A must read when you're interested in physiology, biology, neuroscience, gut feelings and risk.
—katnisslavigne
had some interesting stuff but just not that interesting... reads like neurology for dummies
—Cdowling1021
Interesting exploration of the effects of biology on Investment Bank traders.
—Elie
