THE IMPORTANCE OF INSTINCT

A basic distinction between inert matter and living matter, is that although inert matter may suffer change, living matter is able to progress change. On that basis, one can reasonably conclude that living matter is integral to evolution.
As the physical makeup of a living organism is 100% inert matter, it must be something other than matter that results in an organism’s enlivenment. We appreciate that enlivenment is a reflection of DNA, which is an acid (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is able to manage a complex algorithm that dictates the physicality of every organism on this planet. Not bad for an acid.
In addition, every living organism starts life with the ability to ‘sense’ its external environment, and to then choose an appropriate response. That ‘common’ sense is what we term ‘instinct’. It involves communication, and as communication requires energy, instinct must be an energetic phenomenon.
So evolution would appear to be an expression of life, or vice-versa, and living matter an expression of instinct, or vice versa.
While the origins of all organisms on this planet derive from common DNA, the plethora of niches they occupy, and thus the knowledge they need to survive, is usefully supplemented by knowledge acquired along the way. Acquired knowledge can be used to facilitate directional change, and while the change may be positive in terms of progressing evolution, it can equally reflect agendas that inhibit evolution.
From Nature’s perspective there are three categories of action. The first is actions that are right, being actions that progress evolution. Then there are actions that do not inhibit evolution, and we might think of these as being actions that are not wrong. Finally, there are actions that inhibit evolution, which are actions deemed by Nature to be wrong. It stands to reason that evolution is best served where learned behaviour is moderated by the natural protocols embedded in our instincts.
Our ‘gut feeling’ does not lend itself to programming terminology, but if we listen to it, we generally know whether what we are doing is right or wrong.
Logic is what entices our society to act without regard to the needs of evolution. Our laws promote logic at the expense of instinct. Their Achilles heel is that their logic is based on social averaging, and average situations are statistically rare. More often than not, laws are enforced without interpretation, leaving the majority of the population to ponder the absence off common sense. Even worse, many of our laws are an product of a political agenda, that likewise, may or may not, display common sense.
An over-dependance on flawed logic may well underpin the fallibility of the species. Humanity must regain respect for the power of instinctive reasoning, as ultimately that is what distinguishes organic life from artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is much more capable of using logic to assimilate and manipulate knowledge than is humanity. In a perfect world, the role of humanity may well be to supplement the logistical capabilities of artificial intelligence with intuitive wisdom.
Instinct is the genesis of innovation. Individuals innovate, communities and organisations exploit the potential of those innovations. From the advent of stone tools designed to extend natural capabilities, to the development of artificial intelligence with the potential to audit all human effort, all seem to be naturally programmed outcomes that owe their existence to an instinctive drive that pushes individuals to explore and innovate.
Tactics that might reverse mankind’s contribution to negative evolution on this planet, will involve universal access to an education that nurtures individuality, while recognising the importance of instinct. It is mortifying to realise that the future of our species is being downgraded as a consequence of a majority being prepared to wear the self-aggrandisement and inane posturing of a minority that, failing to appreciate the importance of instinct, are sponsoring a form of leadership devoid of common sense.

Post Views : 39