The ability to reason shapes our instincts from "summary" of The Human Instinct by Kenneth R. Miller
The human mind is a complex organ, capable of both instinctual reactions and reasoned responses. While our instincts are rooted in our evolutionary history, our ability to reason has allowed us to shape and even override these impulses. This interplay between instinct and reason can be seen in various aspects of human behavior, from our social interactions to our moral judgments. When faced with a threatening situation, our instincts may prompt us to fight, flee, or freeze in place. These reactions are the result of millions of years of evolution, during which our ancestors had to quickly assess and respond to danger in order to survive. However, our ability to reason allows us to evaluate the situation more thoroughly, considering factors such as the potential risks and benefits of different courses of action. This reasoning process can lead us to choose a response that goes against our initial instinctual reaction. In addition to shaping our re...
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