Adapt

Harford’s argument that complex problems are solved by variation and selection rather than planning, and that the binding constraint is usually an institution’s inability to admit a failure and kill it.

Why it’s on the list: On Kyle’s own shelf, unread — the literal anti-library case: a book bought and shelved rather than a recommendation received.

Where I saw it: Transcribed from a photo of Kyle’s own bookshelves, saved into his “Books To Read” Apple Note. Kyle confirmed on 2026-09-18 that he has not read any of the shelf titles that were not already in the library.

Connections

• Books To Read — the Apple Note this shelf transcription came from.