“The three most damaging words in the history of mankind are 'a great idea'”
— Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Simplified Meaning:
When someone says 'a great idea,' it might sound good at first, but it can often lead to big problems. For example, imagine a company hears about a new technology they think is amazing. They invest a lot of money in it without really checking if it will work for them. Soon, they find out that it doesn't fit their needs and they lose a lot of money. History has many examples where people thought they had 'a great idea' that ended badly. One example is the introduction of invasive species to new environments because people thought it would solve a problem. Instead, these new species often caused even bigger issues, damaging local wildlife and ecosystems. To avoid this, it's important to thoroughly think through any new idea before acting on it. Analyze, consult experts, and consider the long-term consequences. By doing this, you reduce the risk of unforeseen problems and make more informed decisions.