You only have to do a very few things right in your life–so long as you don't do too many things wrong.

The quote argues for asymmetry in outcomes: a small number of sound choices can compound into a good life, while a handful of serious errors can negate years of effort. It highlights Buffett’s emphasis on downside protection—staying within one’s “circle of competence,” maintaining a margin of safety, and resisting temptations that create catastrophic risk. Implicitly, it reframes excellence as selective: you don’t need to win every point, but you must avoid the unforced errors that permanently impair your options (financially, reputationally, or ethically). The line also suggests humility: because we can’t foresee everything, the best strategy is to minimize avoidable blunders and let time and compounding work.