Probabilistic Risk Over Zero Risk

The book’s history shows nuclear safety moved from 'nothing must ever go wrong' to probabilistic risk assessment (PRA): quantify failure modes, estimate frequencies, and mitigate the biggest contributors. This approach balances safety against cost and feasibility in complex systems. The same logic can guide governance for modern high‑risk technologies (AI, bio, grid) where zero‑risk demands paralyze progress. — Shifting public policy from absolute‑safety rhetoric to PRA would enable building critical energy and tech systems while targeting the most consequential risks.