You may reasonably expect a man to walk a tightrope safely…
“You may reasonably expect a man to walk a tightrope safely for ten minutes; it would be unreasonable to do so without accident for two hundred years.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human expectations must be realistic; long‑term safety cannot be guaranteed.
In simple terms: Expect accidents over long periods.
Key Takeaway
Plan for risk.
Themes
philosophy
probability
human limits
Mood
thought‑provoking
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- engineering projects
- financial investments
- healthcare safety
- space missions
Key Concepts
risk assessment
long‑term planning
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks do you accept?
- How do you balance optimism and realism?
A Different Perspective
Some risks are unavoidable despite precautions.