Think you are fearless? Humans will always fear these 2 things no matter what, says science
Despite the modern narrative of humans being fearless or bold by nature, science tells a different story. Humans aren't born with a long list of phobias. In fact, psychologists and neuroscientists agree that we only come into the world hardwired with two basic fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. These two serve a fundamental purpose—protecting us from harm in our earliest and most vulnerable stages.
One of the most cited pieces of evidence is the 'visual cliff' experiment from 1960. In this setup, infants aged 6 to 14 months were placed on a platform with a transparent surface that gave the illusion of a drop. Despite encouragement from trusted caregivers, most babies would not crawl across the glass section. This reaction wasn't something they were taught. It showed a natural fear of falling—something deeply rooted in our instincts. Babies who hadn't yet started crawling didn't show as much concern, suggesting that the development of movement plays a role in reinforcing this inborn fear.
Similarly, the fear of loud noises is seen right from birth. Sudden, sharp sounds—like the clanging of metal or a bursting balloon—can cause a newborn to flinch, cry, or display distress. This reaction is called the acoustic startle reflex. According to neuroscientist Seth Norrholm, this reflex is automatic and wired into the brain's primitive survival systems. Loud noises are universally interpreted as signals of potential danger, which is why even a baby with no prior experience of the world reacts to them.
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Learned Fears Begin with Experience
While these two fears are inborn, all other fears—be it spiders, darkness, or public speaking—are acquired through life. These are shaped by culture, upbringing, and personal experience.
The famous 'Little Albert' experiment from the early 20th century is often referenced when discussing learned fears. A young child who was originally indifferent to a white rat began fearing it after it was repeatedly paired with loud, startling noises. Over time, the child began to associate the rat alone with fear, demonstrating how easily fear can be conditioned.
When it comes to things like fear of snakes or spiders, infants don't start off frightened. Research shows they may notice these creatures more quickly than others, but that's not the same as fear. It's only through learned associations—perhaps stories, parental cues, or traumatic experiences—that children come to fear them.
Even something as common as a fear of the dark can be traced back to imagination and storytelling. Toddlers aren't afraid of the absence of light itself—they respond to what they've been told could be lurking in it.
If Fear Can Be Learned, It Can Be Unlearned
This understanding that most fears are not innate but learned has wide-reaching implications. If a fear can be developed through life, it can also be reduced or even reversed through exposure, therapy, or conscious effort.
Many psychologists and therapists use this insight to encourage individuals facing anxiety or phobias. Recognizing that public speaking fear or social rejection anxiety wasn't part of our original design can be empowering. It means the emotional weight of those fears can be lightened with time and effort.
As the saying often goes in self-help and
mental health
circles: we're only born with the fear of falling and loud noises. Everything else, we pick up along the way.
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