If someone gives you more than one reason why he wants the job, don’t hire him.

One strong reason beats many weak ones

Most of us have been trained to seem well-rounded in job interviews—to offer multiple reasons why we're excited about a position. We mention the company culture, the interesting projects, the growth opportunity, maybe the commute. It sounds thoughtful and thorough. But Taleb's point cuts against this instinct: when someone has to pile on reasons, it suggests they're not genuinely pulled toward the role. They're convincing themselves.

There's something revealing about conviction. People who truly want something usually lead with one clear reason—the thing that actually lit them up. Everything else is decoration. When you need a list, you're often unconsciously admitting that no single reason was strong enough on its own. And that hesitation matters, especially for roles where you need someone who'll stick around during the rough patches or push through when momentum stalls.

This applies beyond hiring. It's worth noticing when you catch yourself offering multiple justifications for a choice—a relationship, a purchase, a career move. One genuine reason usually beats three half-hearted ones. The person or decision worth your time rarely needs a committee of arguments to justify itself.