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"فریب دادن مردم به میزان میلیاردها بسیار راحت‌تر از فریب دادن آنها به میزان میلیون‌هاست"

Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
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Quote meaning
The core idea here is that it's often easier to deceive people on a grand scale than on a smaller one. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but when you think about it, there's a certain logic to it. Larger scams can fly under the radar because they're so audacious that people just can't believe someone would try something that big. On the other hand, smaller scams tend to get scrutinized more, making them harder to pull off.

Now, let's step back in time for a second. This idea has been around for ages, and you can see it in the tales of con artists throughout history. Think about the infamous Ponzi schemes. Charles Ponzi, the guy who the scheme is named after, wasn't trying to trick people out of a few bucks. No, he promised massive returns on investments, which brought in millions. The scale of it was so grand that people were blinded by the promise of huge profits. They just didn't see the scam coming.

Let's take a modern example to bring this home. Remember Bernie Madoff? He ran one of the largest and most infamous Ponzi schemes in history. Madoff's scam was so massive that he managed to deceive some of the most sophisticated investors and financial institutions in the world. Why? Because the idea of such a huge scam was beyond their wildest imaginations. They didn't question it because they couldn't fathom it. It's like hiding a tree in a forest—it's harder to spot amidst the larger landscape.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, be cautious of things that seem too good to be true, especially if they're on a grand scale. If someone is promising you incredible returns with little to no risk, that's a red flag. Do your homework. Check the facts. Don’t let the size or audacity of a promise cloud your judgment.

Imagine you're at a car dealership. The salesperson is offering you an unbelievably low price on a luxury car. It's so low, you can't help but wonder how they're making any money. But you're dazzled—this deal is amazing! Before you sign on the dotted line, think about our quote. Could this be a too-good-to-be-true scenario? Maybe the car has hidden issues, or there's a catch in the fine print. Always investigate further when something seems off, no matter how appealing it looks.

To wrap it up, let's think about another scenario—you're at a party, and someone tells you about a “can’t miss” investment opportunity. They claim you can double your money in a month. It sounds fantastic, right? But take a step back. Remember, the bigger the promise, the bigger the potential scam. Ask questions, seek advice, and don't get swept away by grand promises. By staying vigilant and questioning the improbable, you can protect yourself from being taken for a ride.

In essence, the lesson here is about discernment and skepticism. Big promises can hide big risks, so keep your wits about you—whether it’s a financial deal, a business opportunity, or any situation where something seems overwhelmingly positive.
Related tags
Crime Economics Finance Fraud Human behavior Investment Money Psychology Wealth
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