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Comment by barrkel

Something similar happens when riding motorcycles. At first you're cautious because you don't know how to evaluate the risks. Then you move into a peak of overconfidence where the usual risks are known; but this is the most dangerous period. It's only after a while at this level, perhaps after a few scares or accidents, that a new appreciation for unusual risks starts to come in. You start to become less optimistic, and consider what could go wrong, not just what's likely to go wrong. You start actively seeking reasons for the traffic around you to do the unexpected.

Mature evaluation of risks increases the weighting given to tail events, black swans etc., particularly if the outcome is severe. Teaching this perspective ought to be effective in keeping it in mind for the teacher too.

parent barrkel 12 years ago

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