---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The word 'risk' derives from the early…"
description: "\"The word 'risk' derives from the early Italian risicare, which means 'to dare'. In this sense, risk is a choice rather than a fate. The actions we dare..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/207/peter-l-bernstein-27498_action_the-word-risk-derives-from-the-early-ita_576670.jpg"
---

#  The word 'risk' derives from the early Italian risicare…

![“The word 'risk' derives from the early Italian risicare, which means 'to dare'. In this sense, risk is a choice rather than a fate. The actions we dare to take, which depend on how free we are to make choices, are what the story of risk is all about. And that story helps define what it means to be…” quote by Peter L. Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/207/peter-l-bernstein-27498_action_the-word-risk-derives-from-the-early-ita_576670.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/207/peter-l-bernstein-27498_action_the-word-risk-derives-from-the-early-ita_576670.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/207/peter-l-bernstein-27498_action_the-word-risk-derives-from-the-early-ita_576670.jpg)

> “The word 'risk' derives from the early Italian risicare, which means 'to dare'. In this sense, risk is a choice rather than a fate. The actions we dare to take, which depend on how free we are to make choices, are what the story of risk is all about. And that story helps define what it means to be a human being.”

[Peter L. Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-l-bernstein/)

## About This Quote

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

Risk is presented as a deliberate act of daring, not a predetermined destiny; it reflects human freedom and choice.

**In simple terms:** Risk is a daring choice, not fate.

Key Takeaway

Embrace daring choices.

Themes

risk choice human nature freedom decision making

Mood

thoughtful inspired

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- entrepreneurship
- investment decisions
- personal growth
- leadership challenges

Key Concepts

probability uncertainty agency

Questions to Reflect On

- What choices define your personal risk?
- How does freedom influence your risk perception?

A Different Perspective

Risk can be constrained by external limits and fear.

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[Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Choices](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/choices/) [Fate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fate/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Italian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/italian/) [Risk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/risk/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/)

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