Why can't we have a do-over?

Question

Has anyone ever wished they could have a do-over when they make a mistake to go back and fix it?  I know I do, especially today.

My mistake today that I wish I could go back and fix involves my addiction I've mentioned at times before on this site.  I had made a New Year's Resolution to ease up on this addiction if my life improved.  Well...that failed today as I gave into my addiction for the first time this year.  And, the problem is when I start the first one, it usually doesn't stop there.  I usually do it several times in a row before I take a break.  It always starts with one before it becomes many.

That said, I want a do-over to go back and stop myself from doing the first one so I can keep 2017 with a clean slate for as long as possible.  And, that's why I'm asking this question.

Answer 1

Experience is a hard teacher: she gives the examination first and the lesson later. She don't allow no do-overs.

Of course, if you like, you can have a comb-over instead...

Answer 2

Unfortunately, it is not possible to have or make a do-over and go back into the past to correct things or change decisions or prevent accidents. But with duties, actions or work, you can, at least, try to learn about them first, train and prepare yourself - like for a written or oral exam - or ask for time to reflect, and if you need more information, ask for a second and even a third advice. And reflect before you speak, remember to learn theory and practice, try to do exercises and to improve your skills and go at your own rhythm. I know that errors and accidents still happen, but to a lesser extent than with constant rush, unpreparedness and improvising.

Answer 3

Lot's of things I wish I could do over but it's not happening. Best thing to do is stay focused on your goals and move on!

Answer 4

You need to have superhuman powers to go back in time for a do-over.

But in less weighty matters than life-and-death or other irreversible issues, we get lots of chances for do-overs, but going forward in time, not backward.

BTW, I've always found the above episode the most moving in the Superman movies, simultaneously representing the deep human wish for redemption from past mistakes and failings, and also the good superhuman being who cares.

Comments

Then, that's what we need.  Somebody get Superman and tell him to turn back time to before yesterday so I can fix my mistake.  If there's no real Superman (as someone will probably tell me), then a time machine is what we need.  And, if there's no time machine, someone needs to invent one.  I would, but I don't have the intelligence or tools to invent one.  But, someone out there must have those things.  There's gotta be someone out there with the intelligence and tools to invent a time machine.  If Doc Brown can do it in "Back To The Future", how hard could it be for someone with high intelligence and tools?

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The problem with that is that a time machine may not be invented anytime soon.

And I might ask the same question that Fermi asked about extraterrestrials: If there are millions of advanced civilizations in our galaxy, why haven't any of them (unequivocally) visited us? Where are they?

Similarly, if time travel to the past is possible, why haven't we met any time travelers from the future yet?