Evolution shapes our instincts over time from "summary" of The Human Instinct by Kenneth R. Miller
The concept that underlies the very essence of our nature as human beings is that evolution has shaped our instincts over time. Our instincts, those deep and powerful urges that guide our behavior, are not fixed and unchanging. They have been honed and refined through the process of evolution, adapting to the changing environment in which we live. Consider, for example, our instinct to protect and care for our young. This instinct is not unique to humans; it is found throughout the animal kingdom. In humans, however, this instinct has been shaped and molded over millions of years of evolution. The care and protection we provide for our children is not simply a cultural norm or learned behavior; it is a deeply ingrained instinct that has been passed down through generations. Similarly, our instinct for social interaction and cooperation has been shaped by evolution. Humans are social animals, and our ability to work together in groups has been a key factor in our survival and success as a species. This instinct for cooperation, like our instinct for caring for our young, is not a learned behavior; it is a natural and instinctual part of who we are as human beings. Evolution has also shaped our instincts for survival and self-preservation. The fight-or-flight response, for example, is a primal instinct that has been honed over millions of years of evolution. When faced with a threat, our bodies automatically respond in a way that maximizes our chances of survival. This instinctual response is not something we have to think about or learn; it is a natural and automatic reaction that is hardwired into our brains. In all these ways and more, evolution has shaped our instincts over time. Our instincts are not fixed and immutable; they are dynamic and adaptive, changing and evolving as our environment changes. Our instincts are not simply learned behaviors or cultural norms; they are deep and powerful urges that have been passed down through generations of human ancestors. Our instincts are what make us human, connecting us to our past and guiding us into the future.
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