The biggest risk is not taking any risk. . .

"Risky Business" Redux

These are indeed crazy and chaotic times. As a result of recent pandemic world events and the massive efforts everywhere to “stay safe”, the word “risk” has taken on a very negative connotation. And while truly acknowledging the seriousness of the recent virus pandemic and its severe impact to those affected, it’s too bad that risk has become such a dirty word, because it is an essential part of life. Interestingly enough, it was Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, who was credited with the quote, “the biggest risk is not taking any risk.”

So, what is risk? . . . The most appropriate definition I could find is that risk is an uncertain consequence of an event or an activity with respect to something that humans value.

Some type of risk usually stands in the way of every opportunity that is presented to us. Whether it’s driving a car, scheduling a medical operation, visiting a foreign country, crossing a busy street, or choosing to live as a “couch potato”, all of these actions include some level of risk. And all have consequences that come from it, good and/or bad.

And probably the thing that gets forgotten, especially when we feel most threatened, is that risk is everywhere. It’s also true that an effort to move away from or reduce one risk, is usually a move towards another, different risk (with the accompanying consequences therefrom).

History can teach us many lessons on the subject. We’re reminded of the ill-fated strategy used by the US military at Pearl Harbor to avoid risk and protect its airplanes stationed there, just prior to the December 7, 1941 Japanese attack. In order to facilitate security against sabotage on the Island, the American planes were parked at the airfield wingtip to wingtip. Unfortunately, that strategy, which surely would have mitigated the risk of sabotage, was disastrous when it came to defending the planes against the impending surprise airstrike. The lesson: Risk comes with its own type of yin yang.

Therefore, during these difficult times, I hope we can all address the risks we face, head on, understanding what they are, and what they aren’t. Of course, taking unnecessary and frivolous risk is never prudent, and we should always be smart and exercise common sense. On the other hand, applying calculated risk is necessary and essential to our continued existence. And frankly, its corresponding rewards are what truly create quality of life. So, let’s make it through this apprehensive and unsettling period, learning, exploring, and facing our risks in a healthy and mindful manner.

In the meantime, take care, be well, and remember as the saying goes, “yesterday is history, tomorrow’s a mystery, and today is a gift.” Along with it, we can acknowledge that a little calculated and well-thought-out risk-taking is not necessarily a bad thing. But still, don’t run with scissors.