Edwin E. Klingman 2008-10-18

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David Berlinski combines knowledge of mathematics, physics, and philosophy, with an irreverent attitude and unique writing style. In this book he combines many personal anecdotes with an analysis and overview of (per the title) language, life, logic, and luck.

Berlinksi is disliked by many, partially because he pokes fun at them and partly because he is correct. For example, he remarks that "the sole example of reductionism successfully achieved involves the derivation of thermodynamics from statistical mechanics." and, "Like other men, molecular biologists evidently derive some satisfaction from imagining that the orthodoxy they espouse is ceaselessly under attack."

Of his many books, I find this one, "Black Mischief" and "The Devil's Delusion" to be by far his best. If you are free of orthodoxy, you'll probably enjoy it, otherwise you may not wish to venture here. One need not agree with every aspect of Berlinski's reasoning to find it entertaining. But, as you may gather from other reviews, if it's your ox being gored, you probably won't enjoy it. In particular, if you worship academia, steer clear.