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NoSoup · 04-10-2006, 11:27 PM

Although I'm not exactly certain what, if anything, it means, I learned tonight that humans have only three instinctual fears.

They are:

1) Fear of the Dark
2) Fear of Falling
3) Fear of Reptiles

As far as the instinctual fear of the dark is concerned, when I was very young, I always rationalized that if in fact there were creatures of the night out to get me in the dark, If I couldn't see them in the dark, they certainly couldn't see me in the dark.

Regarding the fear of falling, I have nearly a perfect example. One of my earliest childhood memories was being in my crib, and wanting out. I remember climbing up so that I was able to climb over the railing, but being afraid of falling off once I climbed over. The fear was so great, I stayed inside the crib.

Although I can't personally remember any instances where the instinctual fear of reptiles has come into play in my life, I do find it interesting that most society's look at the deviants (serial killers and the like) as cold blooded. Perhaps this ties in? Additionally, nearly every ancient culture had a myth regarding a reptilian monster - dragons, sea serpants, etc. Coincidence? Or our instinctual fears manifesting themselves in myths and legends?

I don't suppose this thread has any real point in it, except to maybe see if anyone else is willing to share stories regarding these fears, but nonetheless, I found the information rather intrigueing and thought I would share...

04-10-2006, 11:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
NoSoup Non-Rookie Location: Green Bay, WI	Instinctual Fears of Humans... Although I'm not exactly certain what, if anything, it means, I learned tonight that humans have only three instinctual fears. They are: 1) Fear of the Dark 2) Fear of Falling 3) Fear of Reptiles As far as the instinctual fear of the dark is concerned, when I was very young, I always rationalized that if in fact there were creatures of the night out to get me in the dark, If I couldn't see them in the dark, they certainly couldn't see me in the dark. Regarding the fear of falling, I have nearly a perfect example. One of my earliest childhood memories was being in my crib, and wanting out. I remember climbing up so that I was able to climb over the railing, but being afraid of falling off once I climbed over. The fear was so great, I stayed inside the crib. Although I can't personally remember any instances where the instinctual fear of reptiles has come into play in my life, I do find it interesting that most society's look at the deviants (serial killers and the like) as cold blooded. Perhaps this ties in? Additionally, nearly every ancient culture had a myth regarding a reptilian monster - dragons, sea serpants, etc. Coincidence? Or our instinctual fears manifesting themselves in myths and legends? I don't suppose this thread has any real point in it, except to maybe see if anyone else is willing to share stories regarding these fears, but nonetheless, I found the information rather intrigueing and thought I would share... __________________ I have an aura of reliability and good judgement. Just in case you were wondering...