Wilderness is a safe place to be.
Nature is indifferent to hikers in the sense that there are neither malevolent or beneficial forces.
The hiker must be self reliant but there is no need to be paranoid. Once a hiker develops confidence in his or her techniques, abilities, and equipment, then operating in the backcountry becomes a welcome relief from the complex tangle of civilized living. Wilderness decisions are usually important but also basic. In other words, we gain a sense of perspective. Most wilderness accidents are caused by individuals or parties pushing too hard.