There are one hundred men seeking security to one able man who
There are one hundred men seeking security to one able man who is willing to risk his fortune.
Hear the words of J. Paul Getty, titan of industry and seeker of fortune, who declared: “There are one hundred men seeking security to one able man who is willing to risk his fortune.” In this saying lies the eternal division of mankind—between the many who seek safety and the few who dare the storm. For the path of security is broad and crowded, while the path of risk is narrow, walked only by those with vision and courage.
The hundred men are those who long for comfort, who would rather hold fast to what little they have than gamble for what might be. They cling to shelter, fearing the winds, and in doing so remain where they are. There is no shame in this, for survival is noble; yet it is not the road of greatness, but of preservation.
But the one man who risks his fortune is cut from rarer cloth. He is willing to stake his wealth, his name, even his peace, upon the chance of something greater. Such a man knows that fortune favors not the timid but the bold. He is like the sailor who leaves the harbor while others stay ashore—though he risks the waves, he alone may discover new lands.
Getty’s words spring from the crucible of his own life, as a builder of wealth who saw firsthand the chasm between the cautious and the daring. He understood that creation—whether of empires, inventions, or legacies—was born not from fear of loss but from willingness to endure it. Without such courage, the world would stagnate, and mankind would know only what is safe, never what is possible.
Thus let this teaching endure: if you seek only security, you may find comfort but not greatness. But if you dare risk, though failure may meet you, glory also awaits. The future belongs to the few who gamble their fortunes upon their vision, for in their boldness they shape the destiny of the many. Let generations remember: it is the one among the hundred who changes the world.
AKAn Khanh
Getty’s idea that one man willing to take a risk can surpass the efforts of one hundred men seeking security is compelling, but I wonder if it disregards the practical side of things. Are risks always the key to success, or does security provide the foundation for sustainable growth? What if the so-called 'able man' has only succeeded because of the safety net provided by others who sought security?
HHieu
This quote makes me think about the modern world where many feel secure in their jobs and routines. But is security actually limiting potential, as Getty suggests? Are we too afraid to take risks in today’s society? What if the 'able man' fails? Does failure mean he was wrong to take that risk, or is failure just a part of the learning process in the pursuit of something bigger?
LLlongbao long
Getty’s quote certainly celebrates the risk-taker, but doesn’t it also imply that the majority are doomed to mediocrity if they choose security? I question whether this view overlooks the value of steady, sustainable growth. Shouldn’t we celebrate both types of individuals—those who take risks and those who find value in stability? Can we really say one approach is better than the other?
NTNam Nguyen Thanh
I find Getty’s perspective fascinating, but I wonder if this is oversimplified. Sure, taking risks can lead to great rewards, but can those who choose security ever truly find fulfillment? How much risk is necessary to succeed, and when does it become reckless? Is there a point at which taking no risk is more detrimental than taking too much?
TDNguyen Thuy Duong
This quote highlights the stark contrast between those who seek safety and those who are willing to take risks. But what happens when the 'able man' fails? Is the security of the majority actually a more sustainable path, or is Getty simply promoting the idea that success often comes to those who dare to take the leap? Can both security and risk coexist in a successful life?