Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

  • Thread starter FallenApple
  • Start date
In summary, these words of wisdom can either be a recipe for disaster or a path to success. It all comes down to risk assessment and being willing to take the plunge.
  • #1
FallenApple
566
61
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Wisdom, meaning that until you take risks in life, you will not achieve success.
 
  • Like
Likes symbolipoint and PeroK
  • #3
FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?

Both.

If you do not push had enough that mistakes are possible, then you are not pushing hard enough. It is possible, however, to make a large mistake when pushing hard.

There are no guarantees in life.
 
  • Like
Likes NTL2009 and Psinter
  • #4
Yes, both.

Some people gain fortune for themselves, others destroy their own lives for risking it. Examples of success are many and examples of failures too although the latter are a little harder to find because sometimes the actor ends up being erased from history in the process. And if there is any record left, it won't speak good about them.

So both. How do they call that in English? Is it a double edged blade? Or was it sword?
 
  • #5
Wrichik Basu said:
Wisdom, meaning that until you take risks in life, you will not achieve success.

And, it's not necessarily about risking all, but about getting out and trying.
 
  • Like
Likes Wrichik Basu
  • #6
FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?

There is no such thing as a ultimate strategy, particularly one that can be distilled into four words. Unfortunately for many making intelligent decisions requires work.
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters
  • #7
FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry – don’t take risks

Nothing ventured nothing gained- take risks

Time and tide wait for no man – don’t wait too before taking a risk

Curiosity killed the cat – taking a risk one day could ruin a relation, marriage, lose you your job or kill you.

In other words at some point in your life you may need to take a risk…. or not.
 
  • Like
Likes NTL2009, HAYAO, nitsuj and 3 others
  • #8
pinball1970 said:
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry– don’t take risks
Rather worry than sorry - manage risk
 
  • #9
pinball1970 said:
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry – don’t take risks

Nothing ventured nothing gained- take risks

Time and tide wait for no man – don’t wait too before taking a risk

Curiosity killed the cat – taking a risk one day could ruin a relation, marriage, lose you your job or kill you.

In other words at some point in your life you may need to take a risk…. or not.
Different proverbs for different situations.

A great mind in India (I am not mentioning the name) had once said:
Take risks in life. If you win, you can lead. If you lose, you can guide.
 
  • Like
Likes BillTre
  • #10
pinball1970 said:
It’s better to be safe than to be sorry – don’t take risks

Nothing ventured nothing gained- take risks

Time and tide wait for no man – don’t wait too before taking a risk

Curiosity killed the cat – taking a risk one day could ruin a relation, marriage, lose you your job or kill you.

In other words at some point in your life you may need to take a risk…. or not.
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.
 
  • Like
Likes dRic2 and Wrichik Basu
  • #11
Wrichik Basu said:
Wisdom, meaning that until you take risks in life, you will not achieve success.
That is all it means.
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters
  • #12
russ_watters said:
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.
But sure, there is! You just wrote it. "Soberly evaluate risks before taking them". ... by russ_waters
 
  • Like
Likes dRic2, StatGuy2000, russ_watters and 1 other person
  • #13
russ_watters said:
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.

Measure twice, cut once.
 
  • Like
Likes dRic2, StatGuy2000, Ibix and 5 others
  • #14
FallenApple said:
Are these words of wisdom? Or is it a recipe for disaster?
I like the adage; nothing ventured nothing gained...

in what way could the adage be a recipe for disaster if not a potentially disastrous venture in the first place?
 
  • #15
Success stories you hear out there are a result of thousands of others who failed after taking the risk. You risk something and you either fall into one of the two extremes in life. Most people fail, some people succeed. In my personal opinion though, failing after taking a risk is better than getting nothing for risking nothing.
 
  • Like
Likes StatGuy2000 and pinball1970
  • #16
George Jones said:
It is possible, however, to make a large mistake when pushing hard.
Too true. One's unanticipated children often turn out to be large mistakes.
:doh:
 
  • #17
pinball1970 said:
Curiosity killed the cat
I got told there's an ongoing NASA investigation for that.
 
  • Like
Likes nuuskur and Craftek_Ana
  • #18
HAYAO said:
failing after taking a risk is better than getting nothing for risking nothing.

I think this is better than the original

Psinter said:
I got told there's an ongoing NASA investigation for that.

I thought this was some Schrodinger reference till I googled, “cat in space.”
 
  • #19
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
Or, as I like to think of it.

Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.
 
  • Like
Likes Craftek_Ana
  • #20
BillTre said:
Measure twice, cut once.
He who hesitates is lost. [though maybe not lost a finger in the circular saw]
 
  • #21
jbriggs444 said:
[though maybe not lost a finger in the circular saw]
i just did that too.

fatigue and power saws don't mix.
 
  • Like
Likes Bystander
  • #22
russ_watters said:
Oddly, there is no adage I'm aware of for "soberly evaluate risks before taking them", which would seem to eliminate most of the need for the others.
Look before you leap?
 
  • Like
Likes FallenApple, StatGuy2000, jim hardy and 2 others
  • #23
Ounce of prevention ?
 
  • Like
Likes symbolipoint
  • #24
Nothing can beat this:

“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste; look well to each step; and from the beginning think what may be the end.”
Edward Whymper, Scrambles Amongst the Alps
 
  • Like
Likes FallenApple and jim hardy

Related to Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

1. What does the phrase "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained" mean?

The phrase means that one must be willing to take risks and try new things in order to achieve success or gain something valuable. Without taking any risks, one may never reach their full potential or achieve their goals.

2. Who coined the phrase "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained"?

The exact origin of the phrase is unknown, but it is believed to have originated from a Latin proverb "Sic Parvis Magna" which means "Greatness from small beginnings". It has also been attributed to Benjamin Franklin and Chaucer, among others.

3. Is taking risks always beneficial?

While taking risks can lead to great success and growth, it is not a guarantee. Sometimes risks can result in failure or loss. It is important to carefully assess the potential outcomes and consequences before taking any risks. It is also important to learn from failures and use them as opportunities for growth.

4. How does taking risks impact personal and professional development?

Taking risks allows individuals to step out of their comfort zone and experience new things. This can lead to personal growth, increased confidence, and new skills. In a professional setting, taking risks can lead to new opportunities, career advancement, and increased innovation.

5. Can one still gain something without taking any risks?

While taking risks often leads to greater rewards, it is possible to gain something without taking any risks. However, the gains may be limited and not as significant as they could have been with some risk-taking involved. Taking calculated risks can often lead to greater success and fulfillment in the long run.

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
512
  • General Discussion
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
91
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top