This quote highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the limitations posed by uncertainty and risk. In many situations, especially those involving decision-making under uncertainty, the average condition can be deceiving. Looking at the average depth of a river might suggest it is safe to cross, but the reality is often more complex — the river may have shallow sections interspersed with dangerous, deep pools. This metaphor warns us that relying solely on averages or generalized data can lead to risky assumptions. In the context of antifragility, it underscores the importance of designing strategies that are robust not just to expected conditions but also to unexpected fluctuations and extremes. When dealing with systems—whether financial, personal, or environmental—engaging in due diligence and understanding the worst-case scenarios is crucial. The quote invites us to adopt a cautious approach, questioning averages and seeking granular data or safety margins, especially when potential harm could outweigh perceived benefits. It reminds us that sometimes, avoiding a seemingly manageable risk because of hidden dangers is the wisest choice. In essence, this wisdom encourages prudence, humility, and thorough risk assessment, preventing us from being lulled into complacency based on misleading averages. Often, it is better to hesitate or take an alternative route than to blindly trust simplified metrics that do not account for anomalies and unpredictable phenomena—an idea very much aligned with Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s teachings in ‘Antifragile’, where resilience and forethought are emphasized over naive optimism or blind faith in smooth distributions.