What are the Only Two Fears Humans are Born With?
As humans, we all experience fear at some point in our lives. It could be fear of the dark, fear of heights, fear of public speaking, or even fear of failure. However, did you know that as humans, we are only born with two innate fears? In this article, we will explore what these fears are and why they are important for our survival.
Contents
Introduction
Fear is a natural emotion that all humans experience, but did you know that not all fears are learned? In fact, there are only two fears that humans are born with: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. These innate fears are present in all humans from birth, regardless of their cultural or social background.
What are innate fears?
Innate fears are fears that we are born with and are not learned from our environment or experiences. These fears are often instinctual and are a part of our survival mechanism. As humans, we are born with certain reflexes that are triggered by specific stimuli. For example, when a baby is dropped, they will instinctively reach out and try to grab onto something to prevent themselves from falling. This reflex is an example of the fear of falling, which is one of the two innate fears that humans are born with.
Fear of falling
The fear of falling is one of the most common fears among humans. It is an innate fear that is present in all humans from birth. This fear is triggered by a sudden drop in height or the sensation of falling. It is believed that this fear is a part of our survival mechanism, as it helps us to avoid situations that could potentially be dangerous or life-threatening.
Fear of loud noises
The fear of loud noises is the second innate fear that humans are born with. This fear is triggered by sudden and unexpected loud noises, such as thunder, explosions, or gunshots. It is believed that this fear is also a part of our survival mechanism, as it helps us to be alert and aware of potential dangers in our environment.
Why are these fears important for survival?
These innate fears are important for our survival because they help us to avoid dangerous situations. The fear of falling helps us to avoid heights and situations that could potentially lead to a fall. The fear of loud noises helps us to be aware of potential dangers in our environment, which could be life-threatening.
Can other fears be learned?
While humans are only born with two innate fears, we can learn to fear other things through our experiences and environment. For example, if someone has had a traumatic experience involving dogs, they may develop a fear of dogs even if they were not born with it. This is known as a learned fear.
How do we overcome fear?
Overcoming fear can be a difficult process, but it is possible with the right mindset and techniques. One of the most effective ways to overcome fear is through exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing yourself to the thing that you fear in a controlled and safe environment. Other techniques include mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
Conclusion
As humans, we are born with two innate fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. These fears are a part of our survival mechanism and help us to avoid dangerous situations. While we can learn to fear other things through our experiences and environment, these innate fears are present in all humans from birth.
FAQs
- Can innate fears be unlearned?
No, innate fears cannot be unlearned as they are a part of our survival mechanism and are instinctual. However, we can learn to manage and overcome our fears through various techniques and therapies.
- Are there any other fears that are present in all humans?
No, there are only two innate fears that are present in all humans from birth: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises.
- Why do some people have more fears than others?
The number of fears that someone has can depend on various factors such as their genetics, environment, and past experiences. Some people may be more predisposed to anxiety or fear due to their genetics, while others may develop fears based on traumatic experiences.
- Can exposure therapy be dangerous?
Exposure therapy is generally considered safe when conducted by a trained professional in a controlled and safe environment. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone and should be approached with caution for those with severe anxiety or trauma.
- Can fear be a positive thing?
Yes, fear can be a positive thing as it can help us to be aware of potential dangers and motivate us to take action to protect ourselves. However, excessive fear or anxiety can be detrimental to our mental and physical health, so it is important to learn how to manage and overcome our fears when necessary.