FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN: A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN EMOTION

Fear is no doubt part of human existence, it can as a matter of fact be said that one without fear is either an abnormal human or no human at all. That notwithstanding, being too or unnecessarily afraid can as well be an abnormality. In all that we do then, we must ensure that we maintain balance. If we are unable to, then there is a problem and it might demand that we get help even it be an expert.

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Source

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Fear of the unknown (or neophobia) has a way of depriving us of even our own selves. It is on the other hand part of human existence but it can be taken care of if well managed. If well managed, it is even the case that it can be of advantage to the human person.

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CAUSES OF FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

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To be afraid of what one is no yet aware of does not just happen, it certainly has a cause. That though do not dismiss the fact that fear of the unknown is solely part of human existence. It should in fact not completely be considered evil as it has positive sides and can be of great help if well managed.

THE QUEST FOR SURVIVAL: There is an innate struggle for survival in every human person. This innate struggle for survival simply causes the human person to develop a certain level of fear against harmful things that are yet to come. Having developed such fear, s/he goes on to procure protective measures which might eventually protect him/her from that which is to come. The human person as a result of this fear has protected him/her self from predators, natural disasters and even diseases. Fear of the unknown could in this case be considered positive.

OVER CAUTIOUSNESS: For whatever reason it may be, some tend to become over cautious of what ever they do. By developing this very harmful attitude, they end implication incurring other harmful attitude for themselves. One of the disadvantages of being over cautious is avoidance of new possibilities. Whoever suffers from this would most likely not get involved with whatever is unsure. He or she would as a matter of fact lack what it takes to initiate new possibilities, except when success is assured. As a result, he or she will avoid risk as much as possible by remaining at his or her most conform zone. One who is over cautious may also tend to withdraw from social interaction out of fear of the unknown. To ensure then you are not a victim of fear of the unknown, you must ensure that you have not become over cautious.

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CONCLUSION

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To be afraid is not in itself bad, but one must be careful not to become too afraid. Fear of course is part of human existence and it has got it own positivity too. On the other hand, it have also got grave negative effect. One that can completely destroy the self from within if not well managed.

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