Take calculated risks from "summary" of Rules for Radicals by Saul David Alinsky
To take calculated risks means to carefully weigh the potential outcomes of a given action before deciding to proceed. It involves a deliberate process of assessing the potential benefits and drawbacks of a particular course of action, taking into account all the available information and resources at your disposal. This requires a certain level of foresight and strategic thinking, as well as a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace uncertainty. By taking calculated risks, you are able to push the boundaries of what is possible and challenge the status quo. It is a way of testing the limits of what can be achieved and exploring new opportunities for growth and change. This approach is essential for anyone looking to effect real and lasting change in the world, as it allows for innovation and progress to flourish. However, it is important to note that taking calculated risks does not mean being reckless or impulsive. Instead, it involves a careful and thoughtful analysis of the potential risks and rewards associated with a particular course of action. This requires a certain level of self-awareness and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. In the world of activism and community organizing, taking calculated risks is often necessary in order to challenge entrenched power structures and bring about meaningful social change. It requires courage, determination, and a willingness to confront adversity head-on. By embracing uncertainty and being willing to take bold and decisive action, activists and organizers can make a real impact on their communities and the world at large.- Taking calculated risks is a fundamental aspect of effective activism and community organizing. It is a way of pushing the boundaries of what is possible and challenging the status quo in order to bring about positive change. By approaching risk-taking with a strategic mindset and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures, activists and organizers can make a real difference in the world.
