Section 1.1: Innate vs. Learned Fear

A fascinating aspect of fear revolves around its origins: whether it is something we are born with or something we acquire. Research overwhelmingly indicates that most fears are acquired. As children, we observe the fears of our parents, siblings, and peers, leading us to adopt similar fears as our own.

However, some fears appear to be inherent. These are instinctual fears, passed down through generations as a result of collective trauma, teaching us to be cautious.

The exact catalog of innate fears varies among studies, depending on how deeply they delve into shared characteristics. Many additional fears exhibited by humans, including infants, may be extensions of these fundamental fears. Generally, they can be categorized as follows:

• Fear of Pain: This is a clear and universal fear. As long as one can perceive pain, the instinct to avoid it is natural. It could be argued that this is the root of all fear: the aversion to experiencing pain in any form.
• Fear of Heights and Falling: This fear has been observed in infants and young animals. In a notable study from 1960 known as the Visual Cliff experiment, infants were reluctant to traverse a “cliff” created by a tabletop with a section made of plexiglass. Even when they touched the transparent surface, they hesitated to cross to their caregivers on the opposite side. From the moment we begin to crawl, we instinctively understand depth and recognize the danger of falls.
• Predator-Related Fears: This category encompasses numerous fears, including loud noises, fast-moving objects, and specific creatures like snakes and spiders. Our ancestors faced daily survival challenges and had to learn to recognize warning signs that could help them evade predators. Many fears can be traced back to this instinctual need for survival. Loud sounds and sudden movements often trigger a primal response, a fact evident in horror films. Today, our threats might be less overt, often manifesting as social anxieties or workplace pressures, yet they still draw from ancient instincts.

If you examine any fear you possess, you’ll likely find its roots in one of these three fundamental fears: pain, falling, and predators. While they manifest differently in each person, they are universally present.

Moreover, I propose extending this list slightly. There exists a profound fear of failing to achieve our dreams. Each of us harbors aspirations, and we must navigate life to realize them. The fear of succumbing to one of these primal fears and failing to fulfill our potential can be overwhelming.

For many, including myself, this might be the most profound fear of all.

This entry serves as my twenty-second contribution to the Refresh The Soul 30-Day Writing Challenge for September: Reflecting on my deepest fear.

Thank you for participating, and special thanks to Nancy Blackman for this wonderful challenge and publication.