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
We cannot truly plan, because we do not understand the future-but this is not necessarily a bad news. We could plan while bearing in mind such limitations. It just takes guts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding the uncertainty of the future allows for flexible planning that embraces potential challenges.
This quote highlights the inherent unpredictability of the future, suggesting that while we may have limitations in our ability to plan, it is possible to adapt our strategies with the right mindset. Embracing this uncertainty and acknowledging that it takes courage to proceed with planning can lead to more resilient and effective approaches to life.
Themes
PlanningUncertaintyFutureCourageAdaptability
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about facing challenges, one might use this quote to inspire adaptability.
More from Nassim Nicholas Taleb
All quotes →Fragility is the quality of things that are vulnerable to volatility.
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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.
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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.
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A good maxim allows you to have the last word without even starting a conversation.
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A Stoic is someone who transforms fear into prudence, pain into transformation, mistakes into initiation, and desire into undertaking.
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Measure a person by what they do with power.
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