A Review on Rock, Paper, Scissors ( book)
Len Fisher

Rock, Paper, Scissors is a very informative book presenting truths most of the people are  asleep on. From the moment the morning sun kisses our cheeks to the time it leaves for a rest, we face instances and be inside circumstances wherein decision-making is a necessity and self-interest is the hidden and first consideration. Relating daily events and serious issues like the Kyoto protocol (signed by developed countries telling them to reduce carbon emissions) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (which sparked the bloodless yet scariest cold war between US and USSR) to game theory, the author spoke of the omnipresence of choices and the somehow egocentric nature of humans. The word cooperation was introduced as a form of compromise, where the aim of both parties is partially or fully achieved.

            One of the eureka-mode lines in the book is this : the paradoxes and problems come in when a strategy  of cooperation would lead to the best outcomes for all concerned  but each party is tempted to try for a better outcome for itself, only to become trapped by its own greed in an inferior situation, a.k.a tragedy of commons, the first of the deadly dilemmas. Crabs pull each other down while exerting all their might to get to the top without knowing that they are up to an I-regret-this-situation moment. Second is the Free rider problem   when some politicians put farmer’s and worker’s money on their pockets. So timely. The third is Chicken (I, SERIOUSLY, am getting hungry and I can smell the scent of some meat thing dish up in the kitchen). Anyway, the undying issue on Spratly islands and its rightful owner/s illustrates this. Country A sends troops here, Country B there. One, presenting legal documents defending ownership, the other talking of no fictional tales of the island’s very strong importance and existence on their history. Both countries “push the other to the edge as they can, with each hoping that the other will back down first”.

            “If no one volunteers to solve the word problem, I will give it as a quiz.” This is one of the frightening lines that could ever come out of a teacher’s mouth. Then all of the student’s minds would silently shout in unison somebody solve that already, avoiding their teacher’s face and leaning in different directions. Everybody wants the same thing to happen but nobody has the courage to make the move. As the author pointed out, each person hopes that someone else will make the sacrifice on behalf of the group. And the nerd saved the day.

            A radio jock said in his late night program that most men do things or be in places they don’t like but continue to do so in the name of being a boyfriend to a girlfriend. Going to parks, watching romantic movies, wearing cute bunny headbands and doing selfies are some. Most girls do not find watching basketball and wrestling to be time worthy, but they would rather do so to be able to share with each other’s company. Dilemma number 5 :Battle of the Sexes. Meanwhile, after hearing each other’s business promises and knowing about the members’ credibility and good reputation and the assurance of full cooperation, everyone feels the scent of success.This goes to people who are members of a company, corporation and even classroom groupings who were given specific tasks having that burning desire to triumph.

           

One tip the author suggested is to stay if you win, shift if you loose. I remembered the last episodes of ANTM Cycle 20. There were three remaining models left –one female, two male. On the other hand, the eliminated models chose among themselves who they think would win. Team Marvin, consisting of four people wore blue shirts, team Jourdan with only one, wore orange, while team Cory, having the most number of supporters, wore pink. The resident photographer  told the supporters (models) that they can switch sides and win a thousand dollars if the model they are supporting wins. Mike, from Cory’s team decided to choose Jourdan. His decision was right. This 6’1 blonde bombshell won. For the record, she has won a lot of challenges and she has the most number of best photos. So Mike and Chris went home with the money. Well, there are nine other tips he suggested which I believe, are most helpful.

The author’s points was well explained and concrete examples ranging from the most typical event in life  to social, political and environmental happenings was given. Structurally wise. Plain language was used and dummies will not find it too difficult to comprehend. Reading the first sentence may give a sense of boredom, but there are some force that holds one back , and unknowingly, he or she has read many parts and even finished the book already, digesting sold ideas while realizing that a similar and connected event occurred in his or her life. He was able to create a work patterned on his own unique but not that distinct style. His purposes and that is to let people see math in a different, beautiful light was successful.



Glory to God