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You’ve got to guess at worst cases: No model will tell you…

“You’ve got to guess at worst cases: No model will tell you that. My rule of thumb is double the worst that you have ever seen.” quote by Cliff Asness
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“You’ve got to guess at worst cases: No model will tell you that. My rule of thumb is double the worst that you have ever seen.”

Cliff Asness

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Worst‑case scenarios are unpredictable; a safe rule is to double the worst observed outcome.

In simple terms: Worst cases unknown; double the worst seen as safety margin.

Key Takeaway

Plan for extreme outcomes with generous buffers.

Themes

risk uncertainty planning

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

practical advisory

When to use this quote

  • financial investing
  • project management
  • disaster planning

Key Concepts

worst‑case modeling buffer strategy risk tolerance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance safety and efficiency?
  • When is a larger buffer unnecessary?
A Different Perspective

Doubling may over‑estimate, causing inefficiency.

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