Webster's Dictionary defines "risk" as: "the possibility of loss or injury; someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard."
It seems that as we get older - - as we gain more intelligence (e.g. more education) - - as we take on additional responsibilities (e.g. a spouse, children, etc) - - as we attain some degree of status, we become RISK AVERSE.
The (real) question is - - is that good or bad?
Our initial answer might would be: That is good! But, is it?
A more thoughtful answer possibly would be that in today's unprecedented economy, taking on new, or more, risk is BOTH good and bad. It really depends on the situation.
A wise, and very wealthy client, once told me that more money can be made in "bad times," than in "good times" - - but, one has to be more creative and tread more cautiously.
One might think that lawyers, as a whole, are good "risk takers;" but the reverse is really true. Lawyers tend to be willing to take risks on a client's behalf, but not on their own behalf.
Just think (honestly) about your own situation. I would venture to say that you have become more risk adverse with age, education, added responsibilities and social status.
But, if you think carefully about it, oftentimes, to reach safety, a comfortable standing and peace of mind, we have to accept some degree of danger.
There is no such thing as perfect safety. To attempt to avoid all risk is to become immobilized. That is not safe either.
The REAL KEY, then, is to become a RATIONAL risk-taker. That interjects a measured degree of risk into the equation - - which is GOOD.
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