Skip to content

Deep Quote by Henry Paulson

“When I worry about risks, I worry about the biggest ones, particularly those that are difficult to predict - the ones I call small but deep holes. While odds are you will avoid them, if you do fall in one, it's a long way down and nearly impossible to claw your way out.” quote by Henry Paulson
Download Open image
“When I worry about risks, I worry about the biggest ones, particularly those that are difficult to predict - the ones I call small but deep holes. While odds are you will avoid them, if you do fall in one, it's a long way down and nearly impossible to claw your way out.”

Henry Paulson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Financial Risk Conference, 2008

He warns that small, hard‑to‑predict risks can cause severe damage if realized.

In simple terms: Small hidden risks can be disastrous.

Key Takeaway

Watch for hidden dangers.

Themes

risk uncertainty prediction

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

financial philosophical

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • policy planning
  • risk management

Key Concepts

systemic risk black swan deep uncertainty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance vigilance with practicality?
  • What safeguards can mitigate deep holes?
A Different Perspective

Predicting every small risk is impossible.

4.9 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Henry Paulson

Explore all 174 Henry Paulson quotes

More Deep quotes

Browse all 3,514 Deep quotes