In "The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World," Niall Ferguson reflects on the unexpected nature of significant life events, particularly death. He emphasizes that individuals often do not adequately prepare for such inevitable occurrences. The comparison to a thief in the night illustrates how these moments can catch us off guard, highlighting the unpredictability of life.
This statement serves as a broader commentary on human tendencies to overlook essential preparations for unexpected outcomes. It suggests that many facets of life, especially financial planning and mortality, should be approached with foresight and readiness, as the suddenness of events can have profound implications.