It was Eddie Rickenbacker who established the pattern approach way back in WWI after several airmen were killed at their own airdrome. In the first war there were not runways at these airfields - they were just that - an open field with hangars and shacks to one side. The planes would just be pulled out by the handlers and set facing into the wind (early pre-dawn it was generally calm) if there was one.
But upon returning these exhausted half frozen and often wounded or shocked pilots would just drop straight in. Many times either directly into or crosswise to departing aircraft, lorries or ambulances on the field (again - no runways) until finally Rickenbacker had enough and ordered all returning flights to orbit the field at low altitude to check for obstacles, check the wind direction, and give the ready pilots and other folks on the ground time to clear out of the way. It’s in his memoirs.
It immediately had an impact and over time the practice was refined and standardized.
You should always ALWAYS orbit the field - or at least fly a downwind to base to final and really LOOK at the field, taxiways and runways - especially at uncontrolled airfields - but even if there Is a tower. Because just like crossing the street, even if your light is green you can still be mowed down in the crosswalk. Ya Gotta Look, It’s what Eddie would have wanted.
I suppose it needs to be said that everything I posted above this line is for GA and regional or uncontrolled airports only.
In a case where the airspace is tightly controlled - you listen to the ATC and do as they tell you.