Tightrope walking satirical or acidic contexts. Nicholas Taleb uses the phrase in his book "The Black Swan". "You get respect for doing funambulism or spectator sports". Taleb is criticising scientists who prefer popularism to vigorous research and those who walk a fixed and narrow path rather than explore a large field of empirical study. Tightrope walking Tightrope walking, also called funambulism, is the skill of walking along a thin wire or rope. It has a long tradition in various countries and is commonly associated with the circus. Other skills similar to tightrope walking include slack rope walking and slacklining. Acrobats maintain their
Casualty (person) a medical casualty that is not a direct result of combat action A casualty classification generally used to describe any person killed by means of the action of hostile forces. A casualty classification generally used to describe any person reported missing during combat operations. They may have deserted, or may have been killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. A casualty classification generally used to describe any person who has incurred an injury by means of action of hostile forces. A casualty classification generally used to describe any person captured and held in custody by hostile forces. While the word "casualty" has