I ask myself that question every time I see a recall, a newly discovered danger in food or a warning about a hobby or pleasurable pastime.

My personal favorite declaration would be to see a newly discovered factoid from scientists, “Chocolate declared healthy in large quantities!”

It does seem as though our society is going a little past the middle of the road on the protection of our health and well-being. Many times the intention to help us is downright intrusive.

‘Germs are everywhere!’ Quick, whip out the bacterial wipes or instant hand sanitizer!

‘All wheeled contraptions for kids can cause injury!’ Well, of course they can; but maybe the kids would think through that dumb stunt if there was a hurt at the end of it.

‘Hot coffee or your hot drink of choice will burn you.’ Well, duh. Last I noticed, the definition of “hot,” straight from Webster’s, was, 1) having a relatively high temperature; 2) capable of giving a sensation of heat or of burning, searing, or scalding; and 3) having heat in a degree exceeding normal body heat.

Please someone, save us from ourselves!

This is not a new topic, but when I see a new law or a new recall or a new warning from our “watchers” I just keep wondering how we managed to make it this far.

At times it seems to me that kids who are allowed to get dirty, fall and skin their knees and elbows and make those mistakes that teach us, “I won’t do that again!” are more capable of coping with life and what it may throw at them.

Mistakes are our greatest teachers.

I looked up quotes regarding mistakes and there were many. These were my favorites:

• Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900).

• The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one. Ebert Hubbard (1856-1915).

• When you make a mistake, don’t look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power. Hugh White (1773-1840).

• Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life. Sophia Loren (1934-)

• Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave. Mary Tyler Moore (1936-).

You can see that people have been thinking for a long time about mistakes and how the experience is beneficial.

The next time you are tempted to stop someone from making a mistake, please consider, you might be keeping them from an experience that will last them a lifetime and allow them to better deal with what life will throw at them.