Agents Quote by Ernest Sosa
“If the agent aims to make the attempt if and only if it would be apt, then a distinctive element of risk assessment becomes relevant: How probably would the agent succeed in attempting that fuller end?”
About This Quote
Source Journal Article: Risk Assessment Theory, 1995
An agent should attempt only when success is likely; evaluating probability of success is key
In simple terms: Attempt only when success is probable
Key Takeaway
Assess success likelihood before acting
Themes
philosophy
decisionmaking
risk assessment
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- business investments
- medical treatments
- strategic planning
Key Concepts
probabilistic reasoning
agency theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a low‑probability but high‑impact action justified?
- How do you balance risk with ethical considerations?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on probability can ignore moral or contextual factors
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
