The Art of Risk: The New Science of Courage, Caution, and Chance

By Kayt Sukel

Are risk-takers born or made? Why are some more willing to go out on a limb (so to speak) than others? How do we weigh the value of opportunities large or small that may have the potential to change the course of our lives?
 
These are just a few of the questions that author Kayt Sukel tackles, applying the latest research in neuroscience and psychology to compelling real-world situations. Building on a portfolio of work that has appeared in such publications as Scientific American, Atlantic Monthly, The Washington Post, and more, Sukel offers an in-depth look at risk-taking and its role in the many facets of life that resonates on a personal level. Smart, progressive, and truly enlightening, The Art of Risk blends riveting case studies and hard-hitting science to explore risk-taking and how it impacts decision-making in work, play, love, and life, providing insight in understanding individual behavior and furthering personal success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781426214738

Kayt Sukel

Kayt Sukel’s work has appeared in myriad publications, including Atlantic Monthly, USA TODAY, The Washington Post, National Geographic Traveler, Continental, American Baby, and Cerebrum. She is a partner in the renowned family travel website, TravelSavvyMom.com, blogs about where neuroscience intersects with life at BigThink, and is also a frequent contributor to the Dana Foundation’s many science publications.

Reviews for The Art of Risk

[neftzger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Art of Risk is a nonfiction book that takes a body of research and organizes the findings into a palatable read for the average person. The topic is addressed scientifically but not pretentiously, as the author takes us through a combination of her personal experience and interviews with current experts in the field of risk taking. The final chapter in the book is filled with advice on how to be a better risk taker. After all, good risks leads to success and bad risks can lead to demise - but in order to get anywhere we all have to take risks. It only makes sense to be smart about it.If you like books similar to Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers, David and Goliath, or Blink, I think you'll enjoy this one.

[mitchellray · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The “science of risk” would be a more accurate title for this book. Author Kayt Sukel relates the research findings from a variety of fields about taking risks. She interviews experts in neuroscience, psychology, business, and other disciplines. She also talks to successful risk takers involved in a variety of professions. Sukel distills what she learns about effective risk taking into practical lessons written in a relaxed style. Her writing style may be a bit too casual for the serious minded, but the book’s content will satisfy anyone wanting to know how to become more adept at taking calculated risks. Sukel makes it easy for the reader to understand the many factors that play a role in decision making and determining what risks are worth taking. She explains how genes, gender, and age influence our proclivity for risk taking. She describes how preparation, emotions, stress, and social connections can help or hinder our ability to handle risk successfully. Throughout the book Sukel relates what is happening in the brain when we are contemplating risk. Overall, an enjoyable and enlightening read on the topic of becoming more successful in handling risk in our everyday lives.