Parachutes & life expectancy

Maybe I don't know, but from more than 60 years of soaring and powered
flight, from my own eyeballs, and numerous written reports I have
concluded that parachutes will alter behavior. How many injury
accidents and fatals have been recorded that have the factor
"Parachute worn" or no "parachute worn".

If I choose to wear a parachute it is because I intend to test the
flight characteristics to the limit in an untested aircraft. Without
the chute I would not make the flight. My behavior is altered.

If I wear a chute in a contest, it may, but I doubt that it would
alter my behavior.

If I do low altitude aerobatic, or high speed...really high speed
passes would I really think a chute would help if things go wrong?

Would I fly closer to other gliders in a thermal because I was wearing
a chute?

Would I buzz a Boy Scout troop on a mountain top if I was not wearing
a chute?

Most of my 30,000 flights in airplanes and gliders were without
chutes. In some of the flights with chute, When I really wanted to use
the chute, I did not dare because I was too low. I had to make the
best of a bad situation and land. I have never made a landing that
caused more than a ding.

Fly safely, keep your mind on the task ahead, don't overload your
mind, don't depend on your chute to save your life when things go
badly or unexpectedly.

Wear a chute when required or when desired. but do not alter your
behavior because you feel safer with it on your back. Fred