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About this quote

What does it mean?
Randomness often stems from missing knowledge rather than inherent chaos in the system.
In plain terms
Things seem random because we lack full information, not because they are truly chaotic.
What can you take from it?
Seek more data before labeling something random.

Where it applies

  • scientific research
  • decision making
  • trading

Putting it to work

  • gather more variables
  • audit information gaps

Questions to consider

  • What information are you missing?
  • Is it random or just unknown?

Another view

Some systems may possess inherent randomness beyond missing information.

More from Nassim Nicholas Taleb

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  2. [G]ain exposure to the envelope of serendipity.

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