Thursday, May 26, 2016

Strong motivator

Fear of that we cannot control and know, is a strong motivator.

Species (the species is the principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus (Homo) and denoted by a Latin binomial, e.g., Homo sapiens) needs are understood and fulfilled by us, are realized at some level, or we would not exist.  No man is an island, or a rock for that matter.

The extent, to which any two humans get along, varies.  To discuss ‘human’ needs, in a macro sense, we must consider only the modal/successful human.  This essay is not about individual success or failure.

We must assume the existence of successful human drives/motives, to find sustenance, shelter and a mate, because humans have existed for some time and continue to thrive.  Without the success of these drives, we wouldn’t exist.  What pushes humans beyond a subsistence existence?  Is it fear?

Can we attribute everything we do that exceeds striving for subsistence/existence to fear?  Fear of hunger not fear of starvation.  Fear of being cold and/or alone, not fear of starving to death or not procreating.  Fear of our children’s future turning out badly and their not procreating not fear of them ending up working at a fast food restraint into their forties.  Fear of a bully’s threat not fear of being murdered.  Fear of humiliating debilitation in old age.


Do we do what we do because ‘we can project into the future and are afraid of what we cannot know or predict’?

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