Masochism

Y do we repeat some mistakes over and over again?
Aren't we supposed to learn from our experiences? If we recognize we've made an error, somewhere along our lives, why do we sometimes recur in it? Is it because deep down we need the pain of failing to let us know we're alive? Or are we just stupid people, unable to learn? Or maybe just masochists?
Perhaps some things are just too valuable to let them pass by without taking a chance. Even if it's probably a huge mistake, and if it's likely you'll get hurt in the process. But going back to a previous post, if you fall you can always get up. But not trying... That is much worse.