QuoteProject
We should reward people, not ridicule them, for thinking the impossible.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Encouraging challenging the status quo should be met with support, not scorn.

This quote emphasizes the importance of valuing creativity and bold thinking over conformity and skepticism. Taleb suggests that instead of mocking or ridiculing those who propose seemingly impossible ideas, we should recognize and reward their courage and innovative mindset, as this fosters an environment where breakthrough ideas can flourish.

Themes

CreativityInnovationCourageSupportImpossible

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting, you could use this quote to encourage members to propose bold ideas without fear of judgment.

More from Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Nobody reads the disclosures that roll down your computer screen. You click 'I agree' but you don't know what you're agreeing to.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
Fragility is the quality of things that are vulnerable to volatility.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
Those who were unlucky in life in spite of their skills would eventually rise. The lucky fool might have benefited from some luck in life; over the longer run he would slowly converge to the state of a less-lucky idiot. Each one would revert to his long-term properties.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
Individuals should think about the worst-case scenarios and plan for them. The world will be crazier than you think it will be. Put money away, and then you can live with much more freedom.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
A good maxim allows you to have the last word without even starting a conversation.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead
A Stoic is someone who transforms fear into prudence, pain into transformation, mistakes into initiation, and desire into undertaking.
Nassim Nicholas TalebRead

Similar quotes

Had it pleas'd heaven_x000D_ _x000D_ To try me with affliction * * *_x000D_ _x000D_ I should have found in some place of my soul_x000D_ _x000D_ A drop of patience.
William ShakespeareRead
Let no one trust so entirely to natural prudence as to persuade himself that it will suffice to guide him without help from experience.
Francesco GuicciardiniRead
An ordinary mistake is one that leads to a dead end, while a profound mistake is one that leads to progress. Anyone can make an ordinary mistake, but it takes a genius to make a profound mistake.
Frank WilczekRead
Nothing speeds brain atrophy more than being immobilized in the same environment.
Norman DoidgeRead
Is not a patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern on a man struggling for life in the water, and when he has reached ground encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take care of my labors, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom...is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go. -Anthony Bourdain
Anthony BourdainRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.