What Is Possible... and What Is Not?

I have spent most of my life being a realist — often as a matter of practicality — or even a pessimist. While I am generally hopeful, I have always been very aware that I should "expect the unexpected" and not be too upset when things don't exactly work out.

I tend to be acutely aware of what is possible and likely, as my basis for participating in something... and I suppose you could call me hypervigilant when it comes to someone making outlandish projections about outcomes.

Don't get me wrong, I admire optimism and enthusiasm... but I have likely been disappointed one too many times to get caught up in it.

But what is really possible?

Doing the impossible seems to be a hobby of sorts for many people I have met... who often have a lengthy list of explanations for why their impossible plans did not come to pass.

Did you even CONSIDER the possibility that The Rapture isn't going to happen next Friday... like it hasn't happened on the previous 200 days it was supposedly going to happen?

But how do we "measure" the possible? What does our inner measuring stick look like?

It is definitely possible that I could win the lottery — provided I actually buy a ticket — but highly unlikely. Unlikely enough that it's not on my list of what I would consider possible, but I'm sure some people would have a more positive perspective.

The more I consider the question, the more I become aware that I consider "possible" and "likely" as very closely related. Stated a little differently, I seldom consider things possible that are not likely to happen. It's perhaps one of the reasons why I only see gambling and casinos as a total waste of time.

Sure, it may be possible to have a winning day but it seems too unlikely to bother.

I guess the heart of the matter revolves around the extent to which each of us is risk averse.

But "risk" is just as ambiguous as "possibility!"

For example, I have no issue taking the risk associated with starting my own business, but would not risk bungee jumping or skydiving. Very different kinds of risk, of course.

I invest in crypto, which is inherently risky. Most people wouldn't.

Familiarity plays a big part here. When we become familiar with something, our evaluation of risk changes... as well as the way we approach whether or not something is possible.

I realize this is a bit more speculative post than most... but my brain is a weird and convoluted place. And sometimes posts just become thought experiments.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great remainder of your week!

How about YOU? What do you think is possible? What is the connection between possibility and likelihood, if any? Leave a comment if you feel so inclined — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

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Created at 2025.10.28 01:30 PDT
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