Asymmetric risk: Sharing risks to deal with uncertainty in the real world

Asymmetric risk: Sharing risks to deal with uncertainty in the real world

[US] Nassim Nicholas Taleb

CITIC Press

2019-01-01

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Summary

About 3,800 years ago, the Code of Hammurabi conveyed to us a law of human evolution - to establish symmetrical relationships in interpersonal interactions to prevent people from transferring hidden "tail risks". Throughout the ages, any law of human...

Highlights

The following are some wonderful sentences or paragraphs selected from the book Asymmetric Risk. They are numbered and try to maintain their profound, unique, beautiful, wise or creative characteristics: 1. "In the face of asymmetric risks, we are often ignorant because we rely too much on theory and ignore the uncertainty in practice." Comment: This sentence deeply reveals the gap between theory and reality, as well as the core position of uncertainty in risk decision-making. * 2. "Risk sharing is not only a mechanism for sharing losses, but also a social contract that promotes cooperation and trust." Comment: The author elevates risk sharing to the level of a social contract and explains its importance in interpersonal relationships and social cooperation from a unique perspective. * 3. "In the reality of asymmetric risks, the quality of decision-making depends on the willingness and ability to bear the consequences." Comment: The language is concise but insightful, emphasizing the close connection between risk decision-making and responsibility. * 4. "The essence of risk management is not to eliminate risks, but to learn to dance with risks." Comment: The metaphor of "dancing with risks" vividly depicts the artistry and challenge of risk management. * 5. "In the face of the unknown, the best strategies are often those that can adapt and adjust with the changing environment." Comment: It emphasizes the importance of flexibility in dealing with uncertainty, and reflects a wise response strategy. * 6. "In an asymmetric world, it is often wrong to pursue precision too much. Because uncertainty itself is the greatest certainty." Comment: This sentence is both philosophical and creative, challenging the pursuit of certainty in traditional thinking. * 7. "The real warriors are not those who are fearless, but those who still move forward in fear." Comment: It deeply reveals the relationship between courage and fear, and the necessity of persisting in action in the face of risks. * 8. "Only when you put yourself at risk can you truly understand the risk." Comment: It emphasizes the irreplaceable role of experience and practice in understanding risks, and has a unique perspective. * 9. "In a world of asymmetric risks, knowledge is expensive, because wrong knowledge can lead to catastrophic consequences." Comment: It reminds us to carefully screen and apply knowledge in risk decision-making. The language is concise but meaningful. * 10. “The best risk managers are not those who never make mistakes, but those who can learn from their mistakes and adjust quickly.” Comment: It emphasizes the positive value of mistakes in risk management, as well as the importance of learning and adaptability. * 11. “In an uncertain world, the best predictions are often the simplest and most direct.” Comment: This sentence succinctly and clearly explains the principles that should be followed when predicting uncertain events. * 12. “Risk is not only a potential loss, but also a potential opportunity.” Comment: It redefines risk from a positive perspective, full of wisdom and creativity. * 13. “In the face of asymmetric risks, the best protection is not to escape, but to understand and use it.” Comment: It encourages readers to deal with risks with a more proactive and positive attitude, with a unique and inspiring perspective. * 14. “The real decision makers are not those who make plans, but those who constantly adjust and improve plans in action.” Comment: It emphasizes the important role of flexibility and adaptability in decision making in practice. * 15. “In the face of risk, we should not only see the possible losses, but also the possible gains.” Comment: This sentence balances the duality of risk and reminds us to consider comprehensively when assessing risk. * 16. “Only those who truly understand risk can find opportunities in risk.” Comment: This sentence profoundly explains the close connection between risk and opportunity, and the importance of a deep understanding of risk. * 17. “The world of asymmetric risk is complex and changeable, but simple principles are often the most effective guide.” Comment: The wisdom of seeking simple principles in complexity reflects profound insight. * 18. “When facing uncertainty, staying calm and rational is more important than any skill.” Comment: This sentence emphasizes the key role of psychological quality in dealing with uncertainty, and the language is plain but powerful. * 19. “In the world of risk, there is no absolute safety, only relative safety.” Comment: This sentence uses concise language to explain the relativity of safety and reminds us not to pursue absolute safety too much. * 20. "Ultimately, it is not the size of the risk we face that determines our success or failure, but how we deal with it." Comment: This profound summary of the decisive role of the attitude and method of dealing with risks in determining the outcome is both inspiring and wise. *

About the Author

Title: Nassim Nicholas Taleb: The Wise Man Who Revealed Asymmetric Risks Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a world-renowned American statistician, risk management theorist, philosopher and writer.< He is known for his unique insights into uncertainty, risk and probability, and is known as the "Father of the Black Swan".

Basic Personal Information Taleb was born in 1954 and has dual Lebanese and American citizenship.< He grew up in Aleppo, Lebanon, and later moved to the United States.

He graduated from MIT with a master's degree in mathematics, then received an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, and received a doctorate in management science from the University of Paris Dauphine.< Education and Career Background Taleb's educational background laid a solid foundation for his future career.

He worked in financial trading and risk management on Wall Street and accumulated rich practical experience.< In addition, he taught at New York University and London Business School, teaching financial engineering and risk management.

Writing Career Taleb's writing career began in 1997 with his first book, Dynamic Hedging, which detailed trading strategies for financial derivatives.< However, he is best known for his "uncertainty tetralogy", including The Black Swan, Antifragile, Fooled by Randomness, and Skin in the Game.

These works delve into uncertainty, risk, probability, and human behavior, and have had a profound impact on readers around the world.< Work Style and Themes Taleb's writing style is unique, and he is good at using vivid metaphors and stories to illustrate complex concepts.

His themes usually revolve around uncertainty, risk, probability, and human behavior, emphasizing the importance of dealing with uncertainty in the real world.< Personal Life Taleb's personal life is relatively low-key, and he likes to maintain a certain sense of mystery.

However, he often shares his views and thoughts on social media to interact with readers.< Social Influence Taleb's theories have had a wide impact on society.

His views are widely used in the fields of finance, economics, politics, and personal life.< Many authoritative media and experts have spoken highly of his works.

For example, The New York Times called him "one of the most interesting thinkers today.< " Quotes and reviews - The Financial Times commented on Asymmetric Risk as "a masterpiece that reveals the nature of real-world risk.

" - Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize winner in economics, praised Taleb's work as "inspiring and of great significance for understanding human behavior and decision-making.< " Latest developments Taleb has been following the dynamics of the global economy and financial markets, and he often expresses his views on social media.

In addition, he continues to write new works to explore new areas of uncertainty and risk management.< With his unique perspective and profound insights, Nassim Nicholas Taleb provides us with a completely new way of thinking about risk and uncertainty.

His works are not only instructive for professionals, but also provide valuable thinking and inspiration for readers.