Is self preservation an instinct in human beings?

Question

Do humans have instincts? Or, are instincts only to be found in 'lower' animals?

Please elaborate.

Answer 1

"Self-preservation" is too limited a word to apply to either humans or "lower" animals.
Most fowl will run from a fox, even flying up a tree to get away. But a hen will often come at the fox if he's after her chicks. Humans can also display this "suicidal" behavior. The point is that something may indeed need "preserving," but it is not always the individual's physical existence.

Answer 2

The will to survive is inborn in all of us. Even a baby fights for life, that's why childbirth is so painful--not only for the mother, but the child as well. The baby doesn't come out screaming for nothing.

When you are falling, you instinctively try to catch yourself. You instinctively know when danger abounds and a voice tells you to get out fast. You instinctively know the difference between right and wrong and it's "choice" that makes you go either way.

Answer 3

I think self protection and survival is more an instinct in humans. The average human does not want to die.

Answer 4

the survival instinct is very present in humans, what about the flight or fight response that might also be considered an instinct

Answer 5

Rooster/Blaster - you are an old tart.

Drop any creature in a lake and it will swim for safety.
That's known as self preservation.

Now stop messing about and go make a nice cup of tea.

Answer 6

Obviously, as there would be a lot more Darwin Award type deaths if we weren't ingrained by our Creator with involuntary responses.

Answer 7

Of course it is. When the time comes humans will do whatever is necessary to sustain life.

Answer 8

Yes!

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

Google "fight or flight"