"We have been fragilizing the economy, our health, political life, education, almost everything by suppressing randomness and volatility"

The central idea here is that by trying to make everything too predictable and stable, we’re actually making things weaker and more vulnerable. It’s like wrapping a kid in bubble wrap every time they go outside—sure, you might prevent a few scrapes, but they’ll never learn how to handle the real world, with all its bumps and surprises.

This idea comes from a broader discussion by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who’s known for his work on uncertainty and unpredictability. He argues that life’s inherent chaos and randomness are actually beneficial because they help systems grow stronger and more resilient. Think about it: if everything is always smooth and controlled, we never develop the strength to deal with real problems when they inevitably arise.

Take the 2008 financial crisis as a concrete example. Banks and financial institutions were trying to eliminate risk and volatility by creating complex financial products and insuring against losses in ways that seemed foolproof. But because they suppressed all the small failures and risks, the entire system became fragile. When things finally did go wrong, they went catastrophically wrong, leading to a huge economic collapse. If there had been more acceptance of small, manageable risks along the way, the system might have been more resilient and better able to absorb shocks.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Embrace a bit of randomness and uncertainty. Don’t always play it safe. Take calculated risks—whether it’s switching careers, traveling to a new place, or starting a new project. These experiences, while unpredictable, can help you develop resilience and adaptability. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone regularly to build the mental and emotional muscles you’ll need in times of real crisis.

Imagine this scenario: You’re a parent who wants the best for your child. You’ve probably heard about helicopter parenting—constantly hovering, trying to protect them from every possible danger. But what if, instead, you allowed them to face some challenges on their own? Maybe it’s letting them navigate a disagreement with a friend or figure out how to fix their bike when it breaks. Sure, they might struggle and even fail initially, but they’ll learn valuable skills and gain confidence. They become more robust and capable of dealing with life’s uncertainties.

Think about your own education or career. Maybe you’ve always stuck to what you know, avoiding new challenges because you fear failure. But isn’t it those very experiences—where you didn’t know the outcome, where there was a risk of failure—that taught you the most? It’s in those moments of volatility and randomness that real growth happens. So, next time you face a choice between the safe path and the uncertain one, remember that a little randomness isn’t just okay—it’s essential for building strength and resilience.

So, next time you face a choice between the safe path and the uncertain one, remember that a little randomness isn’t just okay—it’s essential for building strength and resilience.