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Imitiation is the strongest human instinct... Yes or No?
In observing the human species, I've found that the strongest instinct they poses is imitation: Monkey see, monkey do.
I find that humans feel more comfortable when they are doing the same thing everybody else is, and whether they are conscious of it or not, they very frequently imitate those around them, or those they know of who have been in the same situation.
This, I find, is very similar to other instincts of other animals: For example, the strongest instinct of horses is the herd instinct. This makes them feel more comfortable when in the company of others, and whether conscious of it or not, they want to get back to the herd anytime they are separated. Humans have this instinct as well, though it isn't as strong: it is what makes you feel lonely.
I say that it is the strongest instinct because I see it in effect in many situations, and when forced to go against this instinct, humans often become extremely distressed.
Examples of this instinct in action:
*When at least two people are ordering off a menu, and the second one coincidentally decides to get the same thing as the first. (I see this happening sometimes to the extent that up to five people will order the exact same thing)
*Popular culture. (Enough said)
*Celebrity endorsements of products.
*The experiment in an elevator (In this experiment, an elevator is filled with volunteers who know what is going on, and one person who thinks this is a normal elevator ride. All the volunteers, when they get in, face the blank wall at the back, instead of the door. At first the unknowing person will face the door, but by the time the elevator has reached its destination, the unknowing person will be facing the blank wall as well.)
*Mass charges during battles (The comfort of doing what everybody else is doing helps override the self-protection instinct)
*Whenever the argument 'everybody is doing it' persuades someone.
Examples of when this instinct makes people uncomfortable:
*Public speaking
*Mother who's baby is crying on an airplane
*Complaining or asking questions (when nobody else is, of course)
I find that humans feel more comfortable when they are doing the same thing everybody else is, and whether they are conscious of it or not, they very frequently imitate those around them, or those they know of who have been in the same situation.
This, I find, is very similar to other instincts of other animals: For example, the strongest instinct of horses is the herd instinct. This makes them feel more comfortable when in the company of others, and whether conscious of it or not, they want to get back to the herd anytime they are separated. Humans have this instinct as well, though it isn't as strong: it is what makes you feel lonely.
I say that it is the strongest instinct because I see it in effect in many situations, and when forced to go against this instinct, humans often become extremely distressed.
Examples of this instinct in action:
*When at least two people are ordering off a menu, and the second one coincidentally decides to get the same thing as the first. (I see this happening sometimes to the extent that up to five people will order the exact same thing)
*Popular culture. (Enough said)
*Celebrity endorsements of products.
*The experiment in an elevator (In this experiment, an elevator is filled with volunteers who know what is going on, and one person who thinks this is a normal elevator ride. All the volunteers, when they get in, face the blank wall at the back, instead of the door. At first the unknowing person will face the door, but by the time the elevator has reached its destination, the unknowing person will be facing the blank wall as well.)
*Mass charges during battles (The comfort of doing what everybody else is doing helps override the self-protection instinct)
*Whenever the argument 'everybody is doing it' persuades someone.
Examples of when this instinct makes people uncomfortable:
*Public speaking
*Mother who's baby is crying on an airplane
*Complaining or asking questions (when nobody else is, of course)
Very plausible theory. I agree.
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