Why do we fear the unknown?
We’ve all been there before. You’re faced with a situation that you don’t know how to navigate, and it can be daunting. Why is it that we instinctively fear the unknown?
Let’s take a look at what might be behind this age-old problem.
The Uncertainty Principle
One explanation for why we fear the unknown is rooted in brain chemistry. The scientific term for this phenomenon is called “the uncertainty principle,” which states that as humans, when faced with an uncertain outcome, we experience anxiety and discomfort. This feeling is caused by the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline into our bodies.
This biological response has been wired into us over time as a survival mechanism; in ancient times these hormones would help us react quickly to potential threats, keeping us safe from harm.
But fast forward to today, and our brains are still hardwired to respond in this way even when there isn't any immediate danger present. In other words, we often experience fear in situations where it isn't necessary, like when we’re trying something new or facing an unfamiliar challenge.
Because our brains haven't caught up with the fact that the world has changed since we were cavemen!
The Power of Perception
Another factor at play here is perception; how we view things shapes our attitude towards them. It's easy to get caught up in seeing only the potential risks and not focus on the potential rewards associated with taking risks or facing challenges head-on.
When presented with a situation that involves an element of risk or uncertainty, it can be difficult to keep perspective and remember that there could also be great potential rewards if you manage to successfully navigate through it.
Fear of the unknown is a common problem experienced by people across cultures and ages alike. It's important to remember why this fear exists. It's been ingrained into us biologically over time as part of our survival instinct and also recognize its power on our behavior so that we can better equip ourselves when faced with unfamiliar situations in life.
With increased awareness of our own thoughts and emotions, hopefully each one of us will be able to overcome our fears and bravely take on any challenge that comes our way.