Matthew's Random Thought #3: Swimming with Sharks

Would you rather swim with sharks or relax and soak in the rays on the beach?

This age old question not only divides Anna Lee and myself (for an apt example check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0uMHHcZy9w) but seems to be one of those classic dichotomies that plague the majority of the human race. Why is it that some of us so crave the direct and full experience of the unknown, especially when that experience produces some scary adrenaline and others are more than content to stand back and watch, or even discourage this type of “irresponsible behavior”? As the infamous Ed Abby so eloquently put it:

"A venturesome minority will always be eager to set off on their own, and no obstacles should be placed in their path; let them take risks, for godsake, let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches - that is the right and privilege of any free American." 

So get out there and get your hand bitten off, the beach will always be there when you get back and it only takes one hand to hold a Kindle anyway.