What’s Better Than “an Abundance of Caution?” Answer: “a Paucity of Recklessness”

[Note to Readers: in the wake of the jarring news that President Trump and a growing number of his inner circle have been stricken with Covid-19, the phrase “in an abundance of caution” is once again making the rounds (example: “Trump Tests COVID Positive, Hospitalized At Walter Reed ‘Out Of An Abundance Of Caution’”). The post below originally appeared January 1, 2018, in the aftermath of another national health crisis — one that now seems positively quaint by comparison.

As always, the views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway (“Berkshire”), or any other entity referenced. Edina Realty is a subsidiary of Berkshire.]

The Buried Mea Culpa

Once upon a time, the likes of William Safire and George Carlin could be counted on to call out linguistic curiosities.

In that spirit, I offer up the very confused expression, “Out of an abundance of caution.”

Overcompensating

Practically dripping with CYA (“Cover-Your-A**”), it’s almost always invoked by a contrite person or entity that knows they’re doing (or did) something wrong, and is trying to limit the fallout, legal and otherwise.

Example: the company spokesperson who says that, while the food or drug manufacturer believes they located the source of the e.coli outbreak — out of an “abundance of caution” — they were nonetheless extending the recall nationally.

Ounce of Prevention

So, what’s better than practicing an “abundance of caution,” after-the-fact?

Behaving with a “paucity of recklessness” beforehand . . .



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