Is Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Truly Wise?

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The discussion centers on the balance between taking risks and exercising caution in life. It acknowledges that while taking risks is essential for achieving success, it also carries the potential for significant failure. Participants emphasize that there are no guarantees, and both success and failure can stem from risk-taking. Various proverbs are referenced to illustrate different perspectives on risk, such as "nothing ventured, nothing gained" and "curiosity killed the cat," highlighting the dual nature of risk. The conversation suggests that a prudent approach, such as "soberly evaluating risks before taking them," is crucial. Ultimately, the thread underscores that while risks can lead to growth and opportunity, they must be approached thoughtfully to avoid disastrous outcomes.
FallenApple
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Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?
 
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Wisdom, meaning that until you take risks in life, you will not achieve success.
 
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FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?

Both.

If you do not push had enough that mistakes are possible, then you are not pushing hard enough. It is possible, however, to make a large mistake when pushing hard.

There are no guarantees in life.
 
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Yes, both.

Some people gain fortune for themselves, others destroy their own lives for risking it. Examples of success are many and examples of failures too although the latter are a little harder to find because sometimes the actor ends up being erased from history in the process. And if there is any record left, it won't speak good about them.

So both. How do they call that in English? Is it a double edged blade? Or was it sword?
 
Wrichik Basu said:
Wisdom, meaning that until you take risks in life, you will not achieve success.

And, it's not necessarily about risking all, but about getting out and trying.
 
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FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?

There is no such thing as a ultimate strategy, particularly one that can be distilled into four words. Unfortunately for many making intelligent decisions requires work.
 
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FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry – don’t take risks

Nothing ventured nothing gained- take risks

Time and tide wait for no man – don’t wait too before taking a risk

Curiosity killed the cat – taking a risk one day could ruin a relation, marriage, lose you your job or kill you.

In other words at some point in your life you may need to take a risk…. or not.
 
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pinball1970 said:
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry– don’t take risks
Rather worry than sorry - manage risk
 
pinball1970 said:
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry – don’t take risks

Nothing ventured nothing gained- take risks

Time and tide wait for no man – don’t wait too before taking a risk

Curiosity killed the cat – taking a risk one day could ruin a relation, marriage, lose you your job or kill you.

In other words at some point in your life you may need to take a risk…. or not.
Different proverbs for different situations.

A great mind in India (I am not mentioning the name) had once said:
Take risks in life. If you win, you can lead. If you lose, you can guide.
 
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pinball1970 said:
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry – don’t take risks

Nothing ventured nothing gained- take risks

Time and tide wait for no man – don’t wait too before taking a risk

Curiosity killed the cat – taking a risk one day could ruin a relation, marriage, lose you your job or kill you.

In other words at some point in your life you may need to take a risk…. or not.
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.
 
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  • #11
Wrichik Basu said:
Wisdom, meaning that until you take risks in life, you will not achieve success.
That is all it means.
 
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  • #12
russ_watters said:
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.
But sure, there is! You just wrote it. "Soberly evaluate risks before taking them". ... by russ_waters
 
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  • #13
russ_watters said:
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.

Measure twice, cut once.
 
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  • #14
FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?
I like the adage; nothing ventured nothing gained...

in what way could the adage be a recipe for disaster if not a potentially disastrous venture in the first place?
 
  • #15
Success stories you hear out there are a result of thousands of others who failed after taking the risk. You risk something and you either fall into one of the two extremes in life. Most people fail, some people succeed. In my personal opinion though, failing after taking a risk is better than getting nothing for risking nothing.
 
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  • #16
George Jones said:
It is possible, however, to make a large mistake when pushing hard.
Too true. One's unanticipated children often turn out to be large mistakes.
:doh:
 
  • #17
pinball1970 said:
Curiosity killed the cat
I got told there's an ongoing NASA investigation for that.
 
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  • #18
HAYAO said:
failing after taking a risk is better than getting nothing for risking nothing.

I think this is better than the original

Psinter said:
I got told there's an ongoing NASA investigation for that.

I thought this was some Schrodinger reference till I googled, “cat in space.”
 
  • #19
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
Or, as I like to think of it.

Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.
 
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  • #20
BillTre said:
Measure twice, cut once.
He who hesitates is lost. [though maybe not lost a finger in the circular saw]
 
  • #21
jbriggs444 said:
[though maybe not lost a finger in the circular saw]
i just did that too.

fatigue and power saws don't mix.
 
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  • #22
russ_watters said:
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.
Look before you leap?
 
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  • #23
Ounce of prevention ?
 
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  • #24
Nothing can beat this:

“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.”
Edward Whymper, Scrambles Amongst the Alps
 
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