I think traders in the options world are very similar to spice merchants in the 19th century. They do not rely on luck or bravery, but on precise calculations: estimating the value of spices, assessing risks along the way, and then deciding whether to avoid the storm.

At that time, shipping risks were high, but spice profits were also substantial. The merchants who survived were not the ones with the biggest courage, but those who understood how to hedge risks with financial tools, reserved cash flow, and knew when to enter or abandon goods.

Today's options players are the same. They know that market conditions are unpredictable, but volatility is controllable; they do not seek to be correct every time, but rather aim to control losses. Options are not about betting on the future, but about managing the uncertainties of the present.

Many newcomers view options as tools to 'amplify returns', but experts see them as 'controllers'. By managing uncertainty, they provide more choices in ambiguous markets, allowing people to survive longer. For example, when holding BTC, if one fears a downturn but does not want to sell, they can buy put options to hedge: if it drops, they can limit losses; if it doesn't drop, it's like paying an 'insurance premium'. This method may not lead to wealth, but it can ensure survival in a volatile market. The longer you survive, the more opportunities you have.

In options trading, data is more important than intuition. Experts let data do the talking; prices reflect expectations, and data such as large options flows and changes in implied volatility are more authentic than the statements of KOLs. Traders analyze this data, focusing on capital flows and expected trends, which is faster than chasing news. Thus, many traders refer to professional data platforms like @BTC__Options and @GreeksLive.

Survival takes precedence over profit. Don't ask 'long or short', instead think 'how to survive'. There are always opportunities in the market, but if your capital, mindset, or rhythm is off, you won't be able to seize them. Options are like an umbrella: open it when it rains, close it when it's sunny. They are not like contracts that can easily lead to liquidation, nor do they expose you to risks like spot trading does. In times of high volatility and weak trends, options are survival tools, not exclusive to experts, but armor for ordinary people.