Optimal Illusions

NT $ 1,015
NT $ 914


HowoptimizationtookovertheworldandtheurgentcaseforanewapproachOptimizationisthedrivingprincipleofourmodernworld.Wenowcanmanufacture,transport,andorganizethingsmorecheaplyandfasterthanever.Optimizedmodelsunderlieeverythingfromairlineschedulestodatingsitematches.Westriveforefficiencyinourdailylives,obsessedwithproductivityandoptimalperformance.Howdidamathematicalconcepttakeonsuchoutsizeculturalshape?Andwhatislostwhenefficiencyisgained?OptimalIllusionstracesthefascinatinghistoryofoptimizationfromitsrootsinAmerica’sfoundingprinciplestoitsmodernmanifestations,foundincolorfulstoriesofoiltycoons,wildlifeecologists,SiliconValleytechnologists,lifestylegurus,sugarbeetfarmers,andpokerplayers.Optimizationisnowdeeplyembeddedinthetechnologiesandassumptionsthathavecometocomprisenotonlyourmaterialrealitybutwhatwemakeofit.CocoKrumme’sworkinmathematicalmodelinghasmadeheracutelyawareofoptimization’soverreach.Streamlinedsystemsarelessresilientandmoreatriskoffailure.Theylimitouroptionsandnarrowourperspectives.Themalaiseoflivinginanoptimizedsocietycanfeelprofoundlyinhumane.OptimalIllusionsexposesthesizablebargainswehavemadeinthenameofoptimizationandasksustoconsiderwhatcomesnext.


transport OPTIMAL