In business, we make decisions about risk every day — pricing, investment, recruitment, expansion, contracts. Yet many of us misunderstand probability and what “fair” really means. In The Art of Fairness, David Bodanis explores how centuries of thinking about risk, chance and statistics have shaped the modern world — and how small errors in judgement can lead to significant consequences.

Rather than being a technical book about maths, this is a highly readable exploration of real-world stories. Bodanis shows how better thinking about probability has influenced everything from finance to public safety, and why misunderstanding it can distort decisions. The book highlights how human instinct often clashes with statistical reality — something business owners will recognise.

For our clients, the relevance is clear. Insurance itself is built on probability and risk-sharing. Understanding how risk is assessed, priced and managed — and how our own perceptions can be biased — helps support stronger commercial decision-making.

This isn’t about turning readers into statisticians. It’s about encouraging clearer thinking in a world where uncertainty is part of trading. Whether you run a retail business, manage property, operate in construction or lead a manufacturing firm, the ability to step back and question assumptions about risk is invaluable.

If you’re looking for a book that is intelligent, practical and sparks discussion, The Art of Fairness is well worth adding to your reading list.