The Survival Instinct in Humans and Why So Many Are Poor
The survival instinct is a fundamental part of human nature, and yet, paradoxically, there are still countless individuals who are poor. Many question why this is the case, particularly when these individuals seem to lack the strong survival instinct they imagine to exist. This article delves into various reasons why people live in poverty and explores the nuances of human goals, survival, and personal responsibility.
The Reasons Behind Poverty
When examining why so many people face poverty, it's important to recognize that survival isn't merely a given. Many factors contribute to the wealth gap and the reasons why individuals may struggle to achieve financial stability, despite the urge to survive.
Spending Versus Saving
Many individuals, especially those who find themselves in poverty, have spent their younger years engaging in activities that don't immediately contribute to a stable economic future. Some chose to have fun, socialize, play video games, and use drugs. These activities don't necessarily undermine their survival instinct, but they can distract from the importance of saving and setting financial goals.
Substance Abuse and Thievery
Social and economic conditions can also play a significant role. For instance, individuals addicted to drugs must find a way to purchase their substances. Some turn to theft as a means of obtaining funds. While this is a desperate measure, it can prevent these individuals from securing legitimate employment or advancing their education. The question then becomes: how many of these individuals are actually capable of securing decent-paying jobs, how many have furthered their education, and how many work the typical 40-hour workweek?
The Strength of the Poorest
Contrary to perceived wisdom, the poorest individuals might display the strongest survival instincts. Listen to the words of Albert Einstein: 'Survival is not enough.' Wealth, in many cases, comes from circumstances such as the environments in which we live, the people we associate with, and the relationships we cultivate. Our parents teach us crucial survival skills, and how we learn to apply those lessons varies widely. Some parents teach the value of hard work and perseverance, while others may provide their children with financial support, hoping to ease their path to success. Conversely, some parents may walk away, making survival the only viable option.
Freedom of the Poor
The truly destitute may not possess material possessions, but they do have a different kind of freedom. They live without the material attachments that can weigh down others. They are not bound by the monetary constraints that many face. Without these attachments, they possess the capacity to live freely within their souls. Imagine a life entirely dependent on the generosity of others—could it be sustainable? While I believe that such a life is possible, it would certainly present extreme challenges. Yet, the resilience of the poorest individuals often astounds us—they adapt, they persevere, and they remain resourceful.
Survival in Human Society
It is a natural instinct for all living beings, including humans, to survive. This instinct is innate and can sometimes seem to diminish in the presence of overwhelming circumstances. However, it is not entirely extinguished. Just as a caged lion or a neglected dog may eventually succumb to their circumstances, individuals within the human species can similarly lose their drive to survive and thrive if denied the necessary resources or opportunities.
A Comparative Perspective
For a child, when they enter the world, they possess nothing and lack a survival instinct until they receive the necessary support and guidance. Instinctively, survival requires more than just the awareness of the need to live; it also requires the ability to take action and the resources to do so. The survival instinct is a natural component of our lives, regardless of our circumstances, but it can be systematically diminished by external factors.
Conclusion
How can we reconcile the survival instinct with the reality of poverty? It is a complex issue rooted in the interplay between personal choices, societal structures, and environmental factors. Understanding and addressing these factors can help us support individuals struggling to survive and thrive, thus creating a more equitable and resilient society.