On Tuesdays I write about the top-voted question on “Ask Berkun.” This week’s question came from J.R., who wrote: “What is a favorite theory that you wish more people understood?”

The recent spate of natural disasters that devastated parts of North America included a violent variety of events. There were three major hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria—wildfires in California, an earthquake in Mexico, and tornadoes in Oklahoma.

I have a friend who owns a hardware store. One morning during the 1980s, he strolled into his back-room office to start his day. He was shocked to discover his safe was missing—along with a lot of cash inside.