In 1956 two Bell Labs scientists discovered the scientific formula for getting rich. One was mathematician Claude Shannon, neurotic father of our digital age, whose genius is ranked with Einstein's. Fortune’s Formula: The Untold Story Of The Scientific Betting System That Beat The Casinos And Wall Street by William Poundstone is a captivating journey through the worlds of gambling, finance, and advanced mathematics. Blending biography, history, and economic theory, this book uncovers the revolutionary Kelly criterion—a formula developed by scientist John Kelly and embraced by figures like Claude Shannon, Ed Thorp, and even Warren Buffett.
This narrative explores how mathematical strategies originally devised to crack phone systems and blackjack tables evolved into powerful tools for stock market success. With engaging storytelling, Poundstone takes readers behind the scenes of Las Vegas casinos, Wall Street trading floors, and Ivy League think tanks. Whether you’re a finance professional, a statistics enthusiast, or a curious reader, Fortune’s Formula offers insights into risk management, wealth building, and the mathematics of winning—making it a must-read for those who want to understand the fine line between chance and strategy.
