4 ms·

Unfortunately we have to overcome both instinct, motivation, and willpower.

• javert 4y ago
  Humans don't have instincts, except a little baby's instinct to suckle. An instinct is a pre-programmed behavior, not a desire. Only non-human animals have instincts. Motivation is never something to overcome. Motivation is power. You work with it. By "willpower" people usually mean ability to force yourself to do something you aren't motivated to do - you shouldn't try to do that, it's operator error of the human system.
  • deleted 4y ago
    [deleted]
  • tsukurimashou 4y ago
    of course humans have instincts, we're an animal like any other, just because some try to do anything they can to suppress those instincts doesn't mean it's not there
    • javert 4y ago
      Obviously you can't give an example, since we don't have instincts.
      • SamPatt 4y ago
        Disgust may itself be an instinct. Fear of spiders and snakes were found in infants. Reflexes are instinctual. I think we have a few instincts.
        • javert 4y ago
          Those are not complex behaviors. An instinct is a complex behavior, like migrating for the winter or building a nest. The problem with claiming that humans have instincts is that it gives cover for bad theories of mind. For instance, the Nazis believed Jewish people have Jewish minds and German people have German minds; many Marxists have held that bourgeoisie have bourgeois minds. In reality, the human mind is a blank slate, in terms of knowledge and beliefs.