If death is inevitable then why is your main instinct survival?

Answer 1

That is a generalisation.... what about the kamikaze pilots? The "martyr" who blows him / her self up for the sake of a cause? The parent who would step out in front of a car if it were heading for their child? Those in pain who opt for euthanasia and those who assist?

I think its about quality of life. If your quality of life is poor, and you are beyond your tolerance point, you give up on living. It depends on what core values you hold and cherish. Personally, I would rather be killed than spend umpteen years locked up on death row. Death isn't always the most awful outcome is it? I would rather die than survive some horrific atrocity and end up maimed, paralysed, unable to communicate with zero quality of life.

So I disagree with your premise that EVERY ONES main instinct is survival.

Besides, you CAN enjoy the ride! If you get on the bus... knowing where its going, knowing your destination, knowing where it ends up... does that mean you can't enjoy the journey? You can look out the window, see things, pay attention, observe, interact etc. And even if you do the same journey every single day, each trip will be different in some way. Each time you get on the bus that is a one off, you can experience something you will never have the opportunity to experience again. Because the next time, its a different, new experience.

Answer 2

It is our intelligence rather than instinct which assumes death to be inevitable... our instinct never accepts it truly. Even our intelligence can only presume the inevitability of death and somewhere in our subconscious, there is always a lingering hope that it may not necessarily be so in every case all the time..... this is further accentuated by the ever present uncertainty of it all..... and accordingly, not only do we have the instinct to survive, but also we do perennially plan for the future even at the cost of the present. If nothing, at least the uncertainty of the time of death gives us the hope to live on. The inevitability of death is sort of overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the time it would occur.

Thus it is just not the instinct, but also our hopeful will that makes us not only to survive but also to live the life fully in a planned way!!

Answer 3

Just because it is inevitable does not mean one wants it to happen tomorrow.

One can have a lot of fun and do a lot of living before one dies; that is the instinct for survival.

Most also seem driven to reproduce before death, which is unfortunate, but seems to be a programmed behavior.

Answer 4

It is human instinct. Remember that even a fetus inside the womb of a woman tries to use the instinct a baby have just to survive from the forceps when the mother considers abortion. It is inherent on us to survive. Even the animals in the wild uses their instincts just to survive. How much more for us humans who have the highest intelligence.

Thanks for asking. Have a great day!

Answer 5

Aren't the two interrelated, human instinct is survival but that is why death exists, without death there is no desire for survival.
My point being the instinct for survival derives from the fact that death is inevitable.

Answer 6

Perhaps death itself is the proof of life after death, or that of only a partial death, meaning, only termination in time and space takes place only physically, and that something more fundamental and essential to our being still lives one. The question is direct, but the answers can only be indirect, as we cannot understand death at all if we do not understand life to some greater length.

It is as if our physical being is indeed a vehicle for some sublime entity, the soul, and that is not quite at home with being just physical. Furthermore, our instincts, our brain or our physical mind, and our body are a consequence of two various dimensions in existence coming together to form a unison of mind and body, and spirit; and that our instincts are based purely upon our physical needs: need to survive the best possible way longest possible time in physical world.

It is surprising that the knowledge of a certain death in time has not undermined or suppressed our instincts through process of natural evolution. This is perhaps because the governing principle of our being is no longer physically centred, as in animals without ability to gather knowledge, but in within some higher purpose in view. The knowledge of death for a mind with capabilities to think and reflect upon things could have proved to be fatal right from the outset, but normally this is not the case. There in our mind is something that is beyond the realms of the physical unassailable and supreme. This is why physical world does not completely undermine more aesthetic, artistic and spiritual aspects of our mind: we have dreams, ambitions and aspirations most celestial in nature.

Let me put it also in a very simplistic way: when for instance you switch on a TV, it starts to work. And it does so to the best of its efficiency; it tries to stay finely tuned, if auto-tune of on, it tries to stay alive. But each set is also designed for the purpose of switching off after use, a purpose that does not collide with its primary purpose, t stay switched on and working.

Answer 7

Self preservation and a fear of the unknown.
There may come a time in your life when death becomes inevitable, and some welcome it. But there is nothing wrong with wanting another couple throws of the dice.
A parent should not out-live their children, but it would be foolish not to pursue long life to as far as it will go. (providing your still enjoying it).

Answer 8

The mere fact that death is inevitable does not make it acceptable. It is a undesirable inevitable occurence. That is why our main instict is survival, to postpone the inevitable as much and as long as we can .

Answer 9

WHY because off fear ,our main instinct is survival which is triggerd by fear, we all know were going to die but we all hope its when were old, if your in a life or death situation ,fear takes over which can help you survive, depending on the type off person you are. and if you recocnise fear depending on the situation.but mainly because when were old and your time is coming your probably not fearfull of the future.

Answer 10

LIFE is good for most, so we want it to last forever, unfortunately for many the desire not to be a survivor which brings them to the inevitable sooner rather than later.

Who knows that when we die that is it,...i am a true believer that there's more ahead when we are gone.

survival is built into us, so we use that, its what makes us strong and a good person.

Great Question x