Stop Taking Risks

There is a phrase I have heard...

"The greatest risk is not taking one."

The problem with this phrase is an epidemic. Logic is a lost art. Let me explain.

1. The point of this phrase is that taking risks is a good thing.

2. The phrase states that the greatest risk is to not take any risks at all.

3. If taking risks is good, you could* say taking great risks is very good.

4. "The greatest risk is not taking one."

5. Therefore, the phrase is instructing the listener not to take risks.

But wait, I thought the first point was that the phrase is instructing us to take risks! True. The phrase contradicts itself.

*The idea of taking risks being good does not necessitate that great risks are very good, but the implication is certainly there.