Tip Nose Quote by Charles Reznikoff
““Not the five feet of water to your chin but the inch above the tip of your nose.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Water’s Edge, 1935
Even a tiny margin of safety can be the difference between survival and disaster.
In simple terms: A small extra height above water saves you.
Key Takeaway
Maintain a safety buffer in risky situations.
Themes
safety
precision
survival
Mood
cautious
pragmatic
Type
practical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- boating
- climbing
- engineering design
- financial planning
Key Concepts
Margin of error
risk management
physical limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What safety margins do you keep?
- When might you accept greater risk?
A Different Perspective
Over‑cautiousness may limit opportunities.
