Many people are predisposed to think of the worst that can happen, and then they behave as if it is likely to happen. This negative perception of risk taking is driven by worst case thinking. In recent years, the precautionary principle has intrenched itself in public policy in the form of the inverted quarantine. The quest for safety has become the raison detre of the west. And the rules and restrictions erected at the altar of safety have ballooned to absurd proportions - making matters worse.