Paper wasps usually are fine unless you get too close. I opened up the old toolbox on my grandad's tractor (parked outside, lid slightly ajar) as a curious kid. I was greeted by angry buzzing followed swiftly by stinging.

I also have some on the outside of my carport where the roof overhangs a bit. I could harvest my peppers a couple meters below them without issue. Once I got a little close and one did the diving/swooping "sod off" manoeuvre, but otherwise never bothered me. Their nest got taken out by a typhoon a few days ago, however

Is there a bee-ologist who can tell me if hornets are wasps, or are they their own thing?

The wasps around here have always been pretty chill around me, but I get wary around hornets.

I imagine a world without bees and wasps to look more like those in my dinosaur books.

If nature doesn't owe us safety, we don't owe it kindness either.

Polistes Dominula are just friendly neighbours who like to chill around you when you do stuff with water or food or like to "help" when you DIY. They also gather to cool down in shaded areas around noon. I've never seen the nest, maybe that's why they are so chill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdzuoldCYHw