In The First Circle, Alexander Solzhenitsyn has his protagonist say, "If one is forever cautious, can one remain a human being?".

Today, we lead our lives with caution as an overriding principle.

As for me, who is generally as cautious as and probably more cowardly than the next guy, here are some ways I throw caution to the wind:

1. I drink water from a faucet, seldom a plastic bottle unless it's been filled from the faucet.
2. I don't use a paper towel to shield my hand when exiting a restroom.
3. I ride my bicycle on streets and roads without a designated bicycle lane.
4. I don't care if the food I eat is non-organic.
5. I don't care if the food I eat has been genetically modified.
6. I occasionally ride my bicycle without wearing a helmet....and I enjoy it.
7. I don't object (too much) when in the presence of second hand smoke.
8. I sometimes overnight in hotels and motels that charge less than $50.00 for the room....and I usually enjoy it.
9. I don't carry flood insurance.
10. I sometimes ride the bus in big cities...and I enjoy it.
11. I took my children to see the Watts Towers in Los Angeles.
12. I eagerly turn off the interstate or main highway at random exits, especially in places where I have never been.
13. I put silly lists like this on the internet.