How can we distinguish primal fear instinct from what we mostly experience these days as anxiety, paranoia or just plain worry. I haven't been struck with fear in such a long time I don't think I can remember what it is all about. What I perceive as fear really isn't fear at all but a concern that things may not be going well, as with the governments of the world, the order of peace and civility.
Darwin describes fear: "Fear is often preceded by astonishment, and is so far akin to it, that both lead to the senses of sight and hearing being instantly aroused. In both cases the eyes and mouth are widely opened, and the eyebrows raised. The frightened man at first stands like a statue motionless and breathless, or crouches down as if instinctively to escape observation. The heart beats quickly and violently, so that it palpitates or knocks against the ribs... That the skin is much affected under the sense of great fear, we see in the marvelous manner in which perspiration immediately exudes from it... The hairs also on the skin stand erect; and the superficial muscles shiver. In connection with the disturbed action of the heart, the breathing is hurried. The salivary glands act imperfectly; the mouth becomes dry, and is often opened and shut." This kind of fear probably only occurs these days in specific situations such as involvement in a major accident, an attack by a wild animal or in a combat situation. But for the rest of us does this type of fear even exist? We are afforded many safety provisions that eliminate that type of fear. Has our primal fear instinct subsided, have we become a civilization of mere worry? --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups ""Minds Eye"" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Minds-Eye?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
