A strange paradox in contemporary...
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A strange paradox in contemporary living is our preoccupation with the problem of the risk. On the one hand, we have witnessed the extension of life expectancy, but we are also more deeply aware of the hazards to life. During the past century in prosperous countries, the nature of the hazards to life have changed dramatically. Disease, famine and natural disasters are always present. However, our public attention is now preoccupied with the toxins we spill profusely into the air and water supply.
Paul Slovic, a psychologist at the University of Oregon, has made a special study of the public perception of risk. He notes that Americans today feel that they are more at risk from technology than ever before. In terms of health and accidents, things have improved greatly. Ironically, the more we as a nation spend on regulation, the less safe the American public seems to feel. We have arrived at the conclusion that almost everything we do and make involves some risks. Some risks are higher than others. The question is how we are going to decide that one risk is too high and another is not worth bothering about. The situation is a grim reminder that all of life is contaminated by human hands. When you sow to the flesh, you reap corruption of the flesh.
- Huxhold
Paul Slovic, a psychologist at the University of Oregon, has made a special study of the public perception of risk. He notes that Americans today feel that they are more at risk from technology than ever before. In terms of health and accidents, things have improved greatly. Ironically, the more we as a nation spend on regulation, the less safe the American public seems to feel. We have arrived at the conclusion that almost everything we do and make involves some risks. Some risks are higher than others. The question is how we are going to decide that one risk is too high and another is not worth bothering about. The situation is a grim reminder that all of life is contaminated by human hands. When you sow to the flesh, you reap corruption of the flesh.
- Huxhold
