"リスクは自分が何をしているのかわからないことから生じる"

When you think about the essence of risk, it’s really about uncertainty. That quote means that risk is fundamentally tied to a lack of understanding or knowledge. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can't predict outcomes or foresee potential problems, making any venture inherently risky.

Historically, this phrase is attributed to Warren Buffett, the legendary investor. Buffett’s wisdom comes from decades of navigating the investment world, where knowledge and understanding are key. He’s seen countless examples where people lost money simply because they didn’t fully grasp the investments they were making. They jumped in without doing their homework, driven by hype or fear of missing out.

Let’s bring this concept to life with a real-world example. Think about the housing market crash of 2008. People were buying homes left and right, taking out loans they didn’t fully understand. Mortgage brokers were pushing subprime loans to individuals who didn’t grasp the terms or the implications. When the dust settled, many lost their homes and savings because they didn’t know what they were getting into. They didn’t understand the risk—they were just diving into the excitement of home ownership, trusting the brokers and the seemingly endless rise in home values.

So, how do you apply this nugget of wisdom in your own life? It’s straightforward but powerful: do your homework. Whether you’re investing in stocks, starting a new business, or making a big life decision, take the time to understand the ins and outs. Seek knowledge, ask questions, and if something doesn’t make sense, don’t be afraid to admit it and dig deeper. In the age of information, ignorance is a choice.

Imagine you’re thinking about starting a small online business. Maybe you’ve been inspired by stories of people making millions selling handmade crafts or drop-shipping products. It’s easy to get caught up in the success stories, but remember—those successful people knew their stuff. They researched market trends, understood their target audience, and learned how to manage finances and logistics. If you just dive in without that knowledge, you’re introducing a lot of risk into the equation. But if you take the time to learn about digital marketing, supply chain management, and customer service, you’re reducing that risk significantly.

Here’s a relatable story: think about Jane, an avid baker. Jane loves making cakes and her friends always tell her she should start a bakery. She’s excited and jumps in, renting a storefront and buying all the equipment. But Jane quickly realizes she’s in over her head. She didn’t research the market, understand the costs of running a business, or develop a solid business plan. The result? The bakery struggles, and Jane is stressed and financially strained. Now, imagine if Jane had taken the time to take some business courses, talk to other bakery owners, and even start by selling her cakes at local markets. She would’ve had a much clearer picture of what was involved and how to navigate the challenges—reducing her risk and increasing her chances of success.

So next time you’re faced with a big decision, think of Buffett’s words. It’s not about avoiding risk altogether—that’s impossible. It’s about understanding what you’re getting into. It’s about making informed decisions. That’s what turns potential pitfalls into manageable challenges.