“The three most damaging words in the history of mankind are 'a great idea'”
— Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Simplified Meaning:
Sometimes, calling something "a great idea" can cause problems because it might make people act without thinking things through. When we label an idea as great without enough consideration, we may overlook potential downsides or risks. For example, many believed that the invention of plastic was a revolutionary idea due to its durability and versatility. However, the long-term environmental impacts, like pollution and harm to wildlife, were not fully anticipated. By just focusing on the fact that it was a "great idea," we ignored the careful planning needed to manage its use responsibly. In everyday life, it's important to not rush into things simply because they sound good at first. Instead, one should evaluate all possible consequences and make informed decisions.
