Fear of death or injury

[Cormanus]

Good thread Tortuga. One of the reasons this is such a great forum is people's willingness to discuss these other issue.

As we get older the list of things that might kill or incapacitate us soon—vehicle accidents, disease, age, dementia, etc etc—gets longer or the moment gets closer or both. Seems to me it gets more important to try to do as many of the things that give you pleasure as possible even if that involves risk.

I choose not to watch the spills videos. Probably because ignorance is bliss and constant reminders of how vulnerable one is might lessen the pleasure. I wear safety gear, take the best care I can and try to become a better rider. I know I'm not as good as many others and always try to ride within my abilities.

I'm glad I got back into it. It is a great source of pleasure, risk or no risk.

By the way, Pterodactyl, I endorse your sentiments about the nanny state and latte, but there's nothing wrong with a fine Chardonnay. Nothing at all.

And a good post from you to, Cormanus.

Quoterobably because ignorance is bliss and constant reminders of how vulnerable one is might lessen the pleasure.
I would have to say, however, that I would disagree that ignorance is bliss, but agree with you that overthinking can definitely reduce the pleasure. Members may have thought my post (#28) was flippant.

Quoteost: #28RE: Fear of death or injury

Strewth, you blokes think too much.
To me that sums up my attitude to most of the risk I accept in my life. Once the level of acceptable risk is defined then I get into it, whatever "it" may be, and enjoy. If I stuff up and get hurt, and don't end up staring at the bottom of a lid, then maybe a new risk assessment needs to be done. If you dwell on "what if" then forget it, just retire to a life of dressing gown, slippers, sitcoms and camomile tea.

The spills video, entertainment only. A bit like those funniest home video shows. Some of the d...heads featured should have been put down at birth.

Cheers

I would have to say, however, that I would disagree that ignorance is bliss, but agree with you that overthinking can definitely reduce the pleasure. Members may have thought my post (#28) was flippant.

Quoteost: #28RE: Fear of death or injury

Strewth, you blokes think too much.
To me that sums up my attitude to most of the risk I accept in my life. Once the level of acceptable risk is defined then I get into it, whatever "it" may be, and enjoy. If I stuff up and get hurt, and don't end up staring at the bottom of a lid, then maybe a new risk assessment needs to be done. If you dwell on "what if" then forget it, just retire to a life of dressing gown, slippers, sitcoms and camomile tea.

The spills video, entertainment only. A bit like those funniest home video shows. Some of the d...heads featured should have been put down at birth.

Cheers
Thanks Pterodactyl. You're right of course, ignorance is not really bliss. It was a very clumsy way of saying what you said better that,

Quote:If you dwell on "what if" ... just retire to a life of dressing gown, slippers, sitcoms and camomile tea.
For most people, I suspect, ignoring 'what if' is a way of life. Or, to put it another way, if any of us dwell on the fact that it could happen to you, you'll behave like the mythical bird that ran around in ever decreasing circles until it finally vanished up its own fundamental orifice. so, as you say, one weighs up the risks, takes reasonable care and tries to accept the consequences with as good a grace as possible.

AS I'm not riding the bike today,