I think something of an answer is given by Taylor's brilliant performance as Maggie in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." The whole clip is worth watching, but if you're pressed for time:

(3:15) the famous line: "I feel all the time like a cat on a hot tin roof"

and then just after (4:00)
"Oh I'm more determined than you think. I'll win all right."
"Win what? What is the victory of a cat on a hot tin roof?"
"Just stayin' on it, I guess -- long as she can."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0ViPCmr318

Very nice excerpt of Liz Taylor in "Cat on a tin roof", thanks Mia. It reminded me of another cat played by Taylor- Cleopatra.
I think it is better to keep risk taking with a calculated aloofness together under the same roof. Risk and passion is a recipe for disaster as the Cleopatra/Anthony couple shows. Here is an excerpt that with the triangle Cleopatra/Cesar/Anthony that is most interesting. Look from 8.00 on.

I was very surprised, reading the french philosopher Alain, to see him considering the appetite for risks as just a reaction against the monotony of our daily life, giving as  an  example the gambler in casinos  (in “words on happiness”, chapter “the gambler”).

I think on the contrary that taking risks is an important part of our life, an important component of our projects.

Without taking risks, it may be difficult to realize great achievements, in all kind of our activities : even deciding to study a new music piece is taking a risk (can I overcome his technical difficulties, can I really understand his secrets) ?

Our life is a fight, at first  against our own natural  tendencies (doing nothing, staying confortable in our well-being).

Seneca, in letter to Lucillius 96, mentions the importance of taking risks, saying justly that “Life is a war”, for those who are courageous enough “climb dangerous rocks”.