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If you have more than one reason to do something (choose a…

“If you have more than one reason to do something (choose a doctor or veterinarian, hire a gardener or an employee, marry a person, go on a trip), just don’t do it. It does not mean that one reason is better than two, just that by invoking more than one reason you are trying to convince yourself to…” quote by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
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“If you have more than one reason to do something (choose a doctor or veterinarian, hire a gardener or an employee, marry a person, go on a trip), just don’t do it. It does not mean that one reason is better than two, just that by invoking more than one reason you are trying to convince yourself to do something. Obvious decisions (robust to error) require no more than a single reason.”

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

About This Quote

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

Multiple just can cloud judgment; simple, robust reasons lead to better decisions.

In simple terms: Too many reasons cause indecision.

Key Takeaway

Rely on a single, strong reason for decisions.

Themes

decision making simplicity robustness psychology

Mood

critical analytical pragmatic

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • choosing a doctor
  • hiring staff
  • marriage
  • travel planning
  • investment

Key Concepts

Behavioral economics cognitive bias risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you overcomplicated a decision?
  • What single reason could guide you now?
A Different Perspective

Simplicity may overlook important factors;

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