People say they want to be in risky environments and do all kinds

Host: The room was quiet, the soft light of the lamp casting a warm glow across the table. Outside, the world had quieted, and the peaceful rhythm of the evening filled the air. Jeeny sat at the table, her fingers gently tracing the rim of her cup, reflecting on the quote she had just read. Jack, standing near the window, gazed out into the darkened world, his mind clearly absorbed in thought. There was an unspoken understanding between them, as though a deeper conversation was about to unfold.

Jeeny: (breaking the silence, her voice calm but reflective) “I came across something by Edwin Catmull today that really made me think. He said, ‘People say they want to be in risky environments and do all kinds of exciting stuff. But they don’t actually know what risk means: that risk actually does bring failure and mistakes.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: (pauses, his voice thoughtful) “It’s such a sharp observation, isn’t it? Catmull is pointing out that there’s a big difference between wanting to be in a risky situation and understanding what true risk really entails. People often romanticize risk as something that leads to great rewards, adventure, or success, but in reality, it also brings failure, mistakes, and setbacks. Risk isn’t just about excitement—it’s about accepting the possibility that things won’t always go as planned. That’s the real challenge.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly) “Exactly. Risk isn’t just about doing something bold—it’s about embracing uncertainty and being willing to fail. What people often overlook is that failure and mistakes are part of the equation. We tend to glamorize risk without acknowledging the consequences that can come with it. But true risk means accepting that failure isn’t just possible—it’s almost inevitable. It’s how we respond to that failure that defines whether we can move forward.”

Host: The stillness in the room deepened as the conversation continued. Jack turned slightly toward Jeeny, his expression softening as he considered the broader meaning of Catmull’s words. Outside, the world had quieted, but inside, their conversation had shifted inward, reflecting on the true nature of risk, failure, and success.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, more introspective) “What strikes me is how unprepared many of us are for the consequences of risk. We think we can handle the excitement and the potential for success, but we don’t often think about how we’ll react when things go wrong. True risk doesn’t just bring the possibility of success; it brings the reality of setbacks, the need for resilience. And it’s in those moments of failure where the real growth happens.”

Jeeny: (softly) “Yes, and I think it speaks to how failure and mistakes are often seen as negative, but they’re actually part of the process of growth. If you’re not failing, you’re not taking enough risks. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, but the most valuable lessons often come from mistakes and failures. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to move forward, refine our approach, or improve.”

Jack: (nodding slowly) “Exactly. And I think that’s the point Catmull is making—people want to experience the rewards of risk, but they don’t always understand that failure is an integral part of it. It’s not just about what you stand to gain; it’s about how you deal with the losses along the way. The willingness to face failure, learn from it, and keep going is what ultimately defines success, not avoiding risk altogether.”

Jeeny: (smiling gently) “Yes. It’s about embracing the process rather than focusing solely on the outcome. Risk is never just about the reward; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the resilience you build as you navigate failure along the way. It’s about accepting that mistakes are part of the experience.”

Host: The quiet between them grew deeper now, as the conversation continued to unfold. Outside, the world had quieted, but inside, the room was filled with a shared understanding about the true nature of risk and failure. Jeeny and Jack had uncovered a deeper meaning in Catmull’s words—that risk isn’t just about seeking excitement or success, but about being willing to face failure, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

Jack: (smiling softly, his voice more assured) “It’s a reminder that true growth comes from the willingness to fail. It’s in the mistakes and the setbacks that we really discover what we’re capable of.”

Jeeny: (nodding warmly) “Exactly. Risk isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about being willing to face it, learn from it, and keep going. It’s about the courage to keep pushing forward, even when things don’t go as planned.”

Host: The world outside had quieted to a peaceful stillness, but inside, the room was filled with understanding. Jeeny and Jack had uncovered the deeper meaning in Catmull’s words—that true risk involves not just seeking reward, but accepting failure as part of the process. The night continued outside, but inside, the room felt full of the realization that risk is an essential part of growth and success, and it’s through our failures that we find the strength to move forward.