Bruce Schneier, one of the best writers on security, has published a special edition of his e-zine Counterpane, asking for feedback on the draft of an essay he is writing.

In the middle of his ideas Schneier publishes two interesting lists:

People exaggerate risks that are:

• Spectacular


• Rare


• Personified


• Beyond their control, or externally imposed


• Talked about


• Intentional or man-made


• Immediate


• Sudden


• Affecting them personally


• New and unfamiliar


• Uncertain


• Directed against their children


• Morally offensive


• Entirely without redeeming features


• Not like their current situation

People downplay risks that are:

• Pedestrian


• Common


• Anonymous


• More under their control, or taken willingly


• Not discussed


• Natural


• Long-term or diffuse


• Evolving slowly over time


• Affecting others


• Familiar


• Well understood


• Directed towards themselves


• Morally desirable


• Associated with some ancillary benefit


• Like their current situation

To read his draft click on this link.