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No company can be expected to build a nuclear reactor, an…

“No company can be expected to build a nuclear reactor, an oil well, a coal mine, or anything else that's one hundred percent safe under all circumstances. The costs would be prohibitive. It's unreasonable to expect corporations to totally guard against small chances of every potential accident.” quote by Robert Reich
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“No company can be expected to build a nuclear reactor, an oil well, a coal mine, or anything else that's one hundred percent safe under all circumstances. The costs would be prohibitive. It's unreasonable to expect corporations to totally guard against small chances of every potential accident.”

Robert Reich

About This Quote

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

Corporations cannot guarantee absolute safety for complex projects; demanding total safety is unrealistic and costly.

In simple terms: No company can be 100% safe.

Key Takeaway

Balance safety goals with realistic risk management.

Themes

risk corporate responsibility economics technology policy

Mood

pragmatic cautionary

Type

policy economic.

When to use this quote

  • industrial design
  • energy sector
  • public safety planning

Key Concepts

risk assessment cost‑benefit analysis regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can firms improve safety without prohibitive costs?
  • What role should government play in regulating risk?
A Different Perspective

May underplay the importance of safety culture.

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