This quote encapsulates the stubbornness and inexplicable nature of human curiosity and risk-taking behavior. The phrase 'electric two-step on the tracks' hints at a reckless action, likely involving traversing or playing on dangerous train tracks, despite obvious dangers. The speaker, presumably an officer, highlights a universal truth: despite knowing the potential harm, people often engage in risky behaviors out of curiosity, bravado, or simply the human tendency to test boundaries. The acknowledgment of this inevitability—the idea that 'there wasn't anything so stupid that somebody wouldn't try it sooner or later'—speaks to the persistent pattern of human defiance against warnings or danger. It underscores a certain resigned understanding that some risks are part of human nature, and no amount of caution or rational fear can completely suppress curiosity or the desire to experience the thrill firsthand. This perspective can be both sobering and revealing, illustrating that safety measures alone do not deter all risks because risk-takers often seek the adrenaline, challenge, or proof of their daring. Such reflections hold a mirror to societal attitudes towards danger and the limits of authority when faced with human impulses. The quote also subtly emphasizes empathy for those who flirt with danger—recognizing their motivations rather than simply condemning their actions. It reminds us that beneath the surface of reckless behavior lies a complex interplay of motives, emotions, and inherent human tendencies that shape our actions despite knowing the risks involved.

---Ben Aaronovitch---