Our emotions have also evolved to our greatest survival benefit. So-called “hot” emotions, such as surprise and disgust, are experienced instantaneously and powerfully. These emotions signal an imminent threat to our survival which then initiates urgent action in response to its cause (e., an attacker or rotten food, respectively) that increases our chances of survival (more on that shortly). In contrast, “cool” emotions, such as joy and love, typically take longer to be felt and are usually less intense initially because there isn’t a pressing need to experience them strongly or right away. The way we think and the emotions we feel that have survival value then produce behaviors that increase our chances of survival. Our “fight or flight” reaction may be our best-known expression of our survival instinct. This response set is triggered when we (and all animals) perceive a situation as a threat to our existence; our sympathetic activates rapid emotional, psychological, and physical changes.

Sep 24, 2007  Like hunter-gatherers in the jungle, modern humans are still experts at spotting predators and prey, despite the developed world's safe suburbs and indoor lifestyle, a new study suggests. Apr 01, 2012  Survivalist Instinct. March 30, 2012. Heather Havrilesky’s Riff on pioneer life is based on a false premise: a distinction between self-reliance and community. We live as a family in the wild.

Emotionally, we feel either or intensely. Psychologically, our senses are heightened and we’re able to make faster decisions. Physically, we get a shot of adrenaline, our heart rate increases, blood flow is diverted to essential parts of the body, and we experience increased strength and stamina. Without these essential changes, our primitive forbearers would have died, their wouldn’t have been passed on, and we wouldn’t be living large in 2012 America. Hello again, Dr Taylor,This is a very important topic that should be discussed. We humans are part biology and part culture. May I venture to say that, for the most part of the time we have been here in this planet, biology has ruled our lives (as today it rules for animals as much as it ruled 1000,000 years ago).Now, instead of discussing the 'fight or flight' response, I would like to address another issue that has been on my mind for years.It is regarded to the mating game, attraction, how two persons of the opposite sex want to share a life (for the sake of simplicity, Im not discussing same sex arrays).Experts in any related field will tell us what we already know (or will tell us what we love to hear).

They will tell us that male/female attraction has evolved so we look for healthy mates. In the case of female looking for males, not only health, but his providing capabilities are also a big plus. From there on, all sort of explanations, details, data and research is provided to us to convince us about something we are already convinced and somehow enjoy to know.For the primitive caveman and cavewoman it might suffice. But for the modern man and woman it clearly doesn’t.Marriage might be a cultural institution, but I believe it is rooted in some biological need, as baby humans need both parents more than perhaps any other species.It is a good thing (though not absolutely necessary) for any baby to have both loving parents that supports him/her. And sometimes grandparents, uncles and aunts do a big service to any new born too.Same reasoning goes for the elder and disabled people. At the end, people need people.

Whether you are physically strong or weak, beautiful or ugly, healthy or disabled, young or old, you need people who love you around.And here, I say, humans have evolved and survived thanks to love, compassion, solidarity and collaboration.Actually, I go beyond this and claim that we are humans as a result of our loving capabilities. It is, we have survived thanks to our loving capabilities.If all it takes to choose a mate is to evaluate his/her physical health, we would still live in caves in such harsh conditions where only the truly fittest survives.It was our biologically rooted compassion and love what has allowed us to survive, we being a weak and delicate species compared to so many others around. Leave a baby human alone with all of his powerful complex human brain and it won’t survive for a long time. Not the same goes for a baby dog or cat who would have better chances to survive.So next time we feel that sudden rush of energy flowing through or veins as we approach the girl/guy we are attracted to, it is convenient to remember that such is our most primitive response and there is nothing bad with that, enjoy!But be aware of believing such response is related to love.

It is more related to reproduce and breed. Jungle motocross extreme racing club. Do not let anyone to tell you this is the beginning of some dreamed romantic tale full of love.It is amazing how heroes and heroines in novels and films are always depicted as beautiful, attractive, handsome, sometimes rich and powerful.

It is, appealing to our most basic instinct.And that’s ok for cavemen and cavewomen.But what a modern man/woman needs is not mr. What we all need are kind people, loving people, humble people, people who are givers and are supportive.That is the people who allowed us to survive by the times we lived in caves.And that is the kind of people who is going to help us to survive this messy, cold and selfish modernity we are already entangled in.While in the cave, strong genes might have helped us to endure diseases, cold winters and harsh conditions. But to evolve and to get out of caves, it took more than just physical health.So, for the sake of human survival, I hope that in our brains it is also written a code that tells us to look for a loving and compassionate mate. Taylor,With respect, I’m sure you know there’re is more to “fight-or-flight” than that. The 4-F's of the survival instinct (fight, flight, freeze or faint) all deserve equal attention, and have evolved, I believe, with our world and surroundings.

And while they possibly don't serve us in the above scenarios, historically, even in recent history, they have served their purposes quite well. It’s all in how you frame them.Yes, you are correct re: when threatened by a market crash, individuals’ instincts did not lean toward the altruistic, but to the more advanced—yes, advanced—instinct of greed coupled with fear.