I have a fear of spiders, can't stand the creatures. Even when I know they're harmless or behind glass they still make me incredibly uncomfortable. Even looking at pictures puts me on edge. Despite knowing that there's no real danger, I still can't shake off the phobia. Yet it doesn't mean that from my phobia I conclude there really is something to fear about spiders, that my knowledge is insufficient to validate my intuitions. The reaction shouldn't be a triumph over reason.
I have a much milder form of that fear. I don't like them running around or hanging over me.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much is learned and how much inherent. Chimpanzees are said to have an instinctive fear of snakes, and one of my cats jumped away in alarm when I tossed a belt near her. It might have looked like a snake.
Do chimps have a fear of spiders? Do you remember anyone around you reacting to them (other kids?)?
P.S. I've added you to my blogroll.