Faced with this building I learn something about fear. I learn that these are not idle fantasies of someone who may want something important to happen to him, even if the important thing is horrible. It is not disgusting to see a strange dead {...}. This fear has no comparison with any fear because it has ever been. This is the most primary emotion, the feeling that was with us even before we exist {...}. It was this fear that made fish go out to the dry earth and develop lungs, the fear that teaches us to run, the fear that leads us to bury the dead.
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In the context of confronting a daunting building, the speaker reflects on the profound nature of fear. This fear transcends mere fantasy or wishful thinking; it embodies a primal emotion deeply rooted in our existence. It's not repulsive to encounter the remnants of death, as this fear is integral to our survival and evolution. It's an innate response that has shaped our very being, pushing us beyond our limits and helping us adapt to life's challenges.
This fundamental fear predates our consciousness and has been pivotal in our species' development. It instigates critical actions, driving living beings to explore the unknown, seek safety, and acknowledge mortality. Through the lens of this fear, we understand our place in the world, revealing how it has influenced our instincts, behaviors, and the way we confront life’s most profound truths.
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