We in the “first world” live in the safest period in human history, but we are constantly being fed the idea that we are not safe enough, and we always need to do more. The UK is collectively freaking out about knives and other implements that are only “weapons” if you squint just right[0], and parents in the United States risk being arrested for letting their children walk to the park[1].
I’m not saying we should start freebasing (either kind) on the side of an active volcano, but as safe as we are, we could accomplish amazing things in space flight, medical technology, and food production if we just allow, or even encourage, more informed risk taking.
[0]https://mobile.twitter.com/mpshackney/status/562993045759856...
[1]https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/04/13/parent...