I've recently noted that what I would refer to as "instincts" potentially differ quite significantly from person to person.
For example, self-preservation.
Over the years, I have actually witnessed the following cases where I have observed this missing instinct.
Case #1:
A large, heavy and particularly unstable filing cabinet need to be moved five feet.
What I would do:
Without giving it much thought, I would remove the files and enlist the assistance in others in moving it.
What I would not do:
I would not rock it back and forth by myself, frequently kicking it, swearing at it and punching it in a vain attempt to shift it a few inches. This would likely result in having it topple onto my head. This would be counterproductive and incidentally prove quite painful.
Case #2:
A bulb needs to be changed in a fluorescent lighting fixture.
What I would do:
I would get a ladder and replace the bulb.
What I would not do:
I would not roll over the nearest office swivel chair, balance precariously on it while trying to text on my phone and change the bulb at the same time. This would likely result in multiple fractures and a bulb being inserted where it shouldn't.
Case #3:
An "accidental" injury of some kind has occurred (where one's head has potentially been hit by a falling object... like a filing cabinet).
What I would do:
Should an accident befall me, (provided I was still conscious) my first instinct would be to seek out a first aid kit, an individual certified in first aid or a medical professional, the severity of the accident dictating the appropriate response.
What I would NOT do:
I would not seek out the assistance of an individual with absolutely no medical or first aid training, (for this example, let's say it's a janitor) and enlist his aid. His cleaning solvents and pliers were not really meant to be utilized for medical purposes and likely require you to seek further medical assistance.
Nor would I later on, wander off down rarely used local hiking trail to find a nice spot to "sleep it all off".
Aren't people fascinating?
For example, self-preservation.
Over the years, I have actually witnessed the following cases where I have observed this missing instinct.
Case #1:
A large, heavy and particularly unstable filing cabinet need to be moved five feet.
What I would do:
Without giving it much thought, I would remove the files and enlist the assistance in others in moving it.
What I would not do:
I would not rock it back and forth by myself, frequently kicking it, swearing at it and punching it in a vain attempt to shift it a few inches. This would likely result in having it topple onto my head. This would be counterproductive and incidentally prove quite painful.
Case #2:
A bulb needs to be changed in a fluorescent lighting fixture.
What I would do:
I would get a ladder and replace the bulb.
What I would not do:
I would not roll over the nearest office swivel chair, balance precariously on it while trying to text on my phone and change the bulb at the same time. This would likely result in multiple fractures and a bulb being inserted where it shouldn't.
Case #3:
An "accidental" injury of some kind has occurred (where one's head has potentially been hit by a falling object... like a filing cabinet).
What I would do:
Should an accident befall me, (provided I was still conscious) my first instinct would be to seek out a first aid kit, an individual certified in first aid or a medical professional, the severity of the accident dictating the appropriate response.
What I would NOT do:
I would not seek out the assistance of an individual with absolutely no medical or first aid training, (for this example, let's say it's a janitor) and enlist his aid. His cleaning solvents and pliers were not really meant to be utilized for medical purposes and likely require you to seek further medical assistance.
Nor would I later on, wander off down rarely used local hiking trail to find a nice spot to "sleep it all off".
Aren't people fascinating?
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