Emotions define human behaviors
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Editor,
“Hate” is a word often in the news. Emotions (hate is one) are driving forces of human behavior. People often act (vote) upon emotions rather than reason. Here is an abbreviated interpretation of how emotions form and what they represent – the brain in a nutshell.
Early few-celled-critters had simple neural systems which alerted/excited the organism to two behavioral functions. One was to move toward an objective (food or reproduction). The second was to move away from the objective (protection and survival). Humans today still experience these “toward/away” reactions as they pass strangers and feel attractions and rejections. The shape of eyes, nose or toes can be enough to trigger a spontaneous physiological response.
Evolution brought changes. Cooperation (socialization) aided survival. Mutual-acceptance generated tribalism for protection/survival and social-enjoyment. Emotional reactions have become complex – yet they still follow the ancient patterns of serving purposeful functions. Fear serves protection. Anger serves power (destruction of obstacles). Grief serves loss of social-connection. Curiosity serves exploration. Love serves reproduction.
In today’s expanded connections and communication, each human now can have many “tribes” (family/religions/sports/music) living in his/her head. A person can “mentally attach” to infinite possibilities. Explaining human behavior is like herding cats. One scientist states that neurologists become chemists, anthropologists become biologists, and they all become philosophers.
Scientists suggest that the modern human brain has about 86 billion neurons – with trillions of synaptic connections. The possibilities of pathways seem endless. Neurologists describe how the brain makes many predictive models which compete with each other. At any given moment you experience the “now” of consciousness - the temporary winner – which can change in an instant. The brain also filters information out-of-consciousness so as to generate a simpler, purposeful focus. Unfortunately, this means that humans easily make erroneous models and predictions.
Each human’s filtering yields unique expectations/predictions. Ignoring counter-data can create intensity and can become obsession. Love is like this. Combine “perceived” threat with obsession and you can develop hate.
What to do? Humans would do well to better understand how our internal systems work. Realize how self and others come to have diverse perceptions. Develop tolerances for differences. Work toward non-violent solutions.
Gene Johnson
Polson
