Self-preservation
Self-preservation is the innate instinct or deliberate actions taken to protect oneself from harm, danger, or threats to survival. This drive shapes human behavior in everyday decisions, like avoiding risky situations, and extends to broader contexts such as evolutionary biology, where it ensures species continuity by prioritizing personal safety over immediate risks.
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In 1915, American physiologist Walter Cannon identified the 'fight or flight' response as a key aspect of self-preservation, revealing how it can boost human strength by up to 10 times in emergencies, like a mother lifting a car to save her child. This mechanism, involving the release of adrenaline, has been observed in over 90% of animal species, highlighting its universal role in evolution.
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