Willful Ignorance: The Mismeasure of Uncertainty

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Researching and writing this book has been a long journey of exploration and self-discovery. It was on one hand a foray into the realm of historical research, which was new to me. On the other hand, it was a lengthy meditation on questions that had puzzled me throughout my career. I feel extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity. A major part of this good fortune is owed to many family members, friends, and colleagues who have made it possible by supporting me in various ways.

First I would like to thank my wife Nina, who has encouraged me to “follow my bliss” down whatever paths it might lead me. She gave me valuable feedback to help keep me on track when I needed a big-picture perspective. Finally, she has lifted from me the onerous administrative burden of obtaining permission when necessary for the numerous quotations included in the book. I would also like to thank my sons Alex and Dan Weisberg for their encouragement and feedback on various parts of earlier drafts.

Along the way, I have received helpful advice and suggestions from many colleagues and friends: Barbara Beatty, Art Dempster, Richard Derrig, Rich Goldstein, Jim Guszcza, Mike Meyer, Howard Morris, Jarvis Kellogg, Victor Pontes, Sam Ratick, Peter Rousmaniere, and Joel Salon. Dan, Mike, Howie, and Joel deserve special commendations for their thoughtful and diplomatic suggestions on the nearly complete manuscript.

For helping me to develop the general conception of this unusual book, and ...