"Be scared.You can't help that. But don't be afraid. Ain't nothing in the woods going to hurt you if you don't corner it or it don't smell that you are afraid. A bear or a deer has got to be scared of a coward the same as a brave man has got to be." - William Faulkner
I asked AI about whether fear can be inherited, and this was the response:
"Yes, we may inherit fears or phobias from our ancestors. Research indicates that traumatic experiences can be passed down through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. For instance, studies have shown that mice can inherit their parents' fears of specific odors, such as the scent of orange blossoms, even if they have never encountered that scent themselves. This suggests that certain fears can be transmitted across generations, potentially influencing behavior and even the structure of the nervous system. While this phenomenon is still under investigation, it highlights the complex interplay between genetics and environmental influences on fear and anxiety."
I think LeDoux would say we can inherit threat detection from our ancestors. Some things are more likely to set off threat detection than others.
For example, snakes—many cultures fear snakes, but the fear varies culture to culture. Snakes were a common killer in ancestral environments, so it makes sense that our threat detection would be tuned to catch slithery things. That can also explain why our threat detection is typically lower in modern inventions—e.g., driving. Most people's threat detection system doesn't become aroused on a typical drive, even thought it's a relatively dangerous act.
We are born with two innate fears for survival: loud noises and falling.
We learn the rest via exposure, conditioning and/or today, 'bubble-wrapping from an ever present onslaught of a fear-mongering social media.' Very sad!
We lack spontaneity and hands-on learn by doing and failing.
Irrational fears are the norm, and unfortunately are 'treated' with MEDS, without ever getting to the root cause. This is woven into how we perceive people, places and things as chronic DIStressors.
NO, I am NOT talking about abuse, violent environments, serious accidents, injuries, PTSD, etc. or grief from the loss of a loved one.
It cracks me up ... feeling 'stressed' [whatever that means] .... of course breathwork, meditation, movement, etc. play a key role in restoring homeostasis, from SNS back to PNS dominance. Good!
But do we ever directly confront and tackle the stressor strategically? Do we actively work towards changing our perception of the so-called DIStressor?
We all have fears, and experience Distress. But are they affecting how we function in our daily lives, work, social connections? Are they promulgating irrational fears in our kids? our elders?
Stress is the means to learning, growth and discovery. Overcoming fears does the same, providing a window of opportunity for nurturing our Purpose [reasons to get up the morning bigger than self].
Poor little Albert!
"Be scared.You can't help that. But don't be afraid. Ain't nothing in the woods going to hurt you if you don't corner it or it don't smell that you are afraid. A bear or a deer has got to be scared of a coward the same as a brave man has got to be." - William Faulkner
Reminds me of the story of NFL player Eric Berry and horses. He was living his life just fine until he got drafted by the KC Chiefs and they bring out Warpaint when the team scores. This is absolutely worth watching: https://www.chiefs.com/video/nfl-films-presents-horsin-around-with-eric-berry-11325568
I asked AI about whether fear can be inherited, and this was the response:
"Yes, we may inherit fears or phobias from our ancestors. Research indicates that traumatic experiences can be passed down through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. For instance, studies have shown that mice can inherit their parents' fears of specific odors, such as the scent of orange blossoms, even if they have never encountered that scent themselves. This suggests that certain fears can be transmitted across generations, potentially influencing behavior and even the structure of the nervous system. While this phenomenon is still under investigation, it highlights the complex interplay between genetics and environmental influences on fear and anxiety."
I think LeDoux would say we can inherit threat detection from our ancestors. Some things are more likely to set off threat detection than others.
For example, snakes—many cultures fear snakes, but the fear varies culture to culture. Snakes were a common killer in ancestral environments, so it makes sense that our threat detection would be tuned to catch slithery things. That can also explain why our threat detection is typically lower in modern inventions—e.g., driving. Most people's threat detection system doesn't become aroused on a typical drive, even thought it's a relatively dangerous act.
I wonder what ever happened to to little Albert…was he scarred for life?
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn26307-baby-used-in-notorious-fear-experiment-is-lost-no-more/
Thanks for the link. Interesting conclusion.
We are born with two innate fears for survival: loud noises and falling.
We learn the rest via exposure, conditioning and/or today, 'bubble-wrapping from an ever present onslaught of a fear-mongering social media.' Very sad!
We lack spontaneity and hands-on learn by doing and failing.
Irrational fears are the norm, and unfortunately are 'treated' with MEDS, without ever getting to the root cause. This is woven into how we perceive people, places and things as chronic DIStressors.
NO, I am NOT talking about abuse, violent environments, serious accidents, injuries, PTSD, etc. or grief from the loss of a loved one.
It cracks me up ... feeling 'stressed' [whatever that means] .... of course breathwork, meditation, movement, etc. play a key role in restoring homeostasis, from SNS back to PNS dominance. Good!
But do we ever directly confront and tackle the stressor strategically? Do we actively work towards changing our perception of the so-called DIStressor?
We all have fears, and experience Distress. But are they affecting how we function in our daily lives, work, social connections? Are they promulgating irrational fears in our kids? our elders?
Stress is the means to learning, growth and discovery. Overcoming fears does the same, providing a window of opportunity for nurturing our Purpose [reasons to get up the morning bigger than self].
👍⛰️
I just love reading your articles, I always learn something that can be applied to my life
Sorry but I ain’t eating spiders. Who the #*!% eats spiders? Sliders, sure. Spider sliders? Get outta here!