Humans have many different fears, but some are more primal and deeply rooted than others. Fears of things like heights, snakes, and spiders are common, but there are a few key fears that strike at the core of human existence.
Death
The fear of death and dying is perhaps the most universal and fundamental human fear. The knowledge that our life will inevitably end one day is terrifying to most. This fear likely arises from our innate desire for self preservation. Contemplating our own mortality often creates significant anxiety. Many also fear the unknown aspects of what happens after death, being separated from loved ones, or dying prematurely before accomplishing life goals.
Loss of Autonomy
Humans have a strong need for autonomy and self-determination. We want to feel in control of our lives and destinies. Situations where our freedom or independence are severely threatened or taken away can be extremely frightening. This includes fears of imprisonment, slavery, oppression, or losing mental faculties like in dementia. Not having control over our choices and lives is deeply unsettling.
Isolation
Humans are social creatures with an innate need to belong. Prolonged isolation from human contact and community can have severe detrimental effects. Solitary confinement is often used as a severe punishment in prison to exploit this fear. Being completely alone for long periods of time can warp perceptions and cause significant mental health issues. It challenges our very humanity.
Helplessness
Being in situations where we feel totally helpless also taps into primal fears. This overlaps with loss of autonomy, but also includes scenarios where we desperately need help or rescuing but none arrives. Being trapped underneath rubble, stranded in the wilderness, or diagnosed with a life-threatening illness can evoke these fears. It stems from our limited mortality and reliance on others for survival in some situations.
Existential Threats
Humans also tend to deeply fear threats to our very existence or way of life. This includes things like war, natural disasters, famine, disease pandemics, and climate change. These have potential to disrupt our lives drastically or wipe out entire civilizations. The COVID-19 pandemic gave many a taste of how rapidly disease can transform societies. Nuclear war is also still an underlying existential fear for many.
Conclusion
While fear helps protect us from threats, deep-seated existential fears of death, isolation, helplessness, and loss of control underpin many anxieties. These tap into the most vulnerable aspects of the human experience. Societies often develop norms, religions, or other constructs to help cope with and subdue these primal fears. But they remain lurking as part of our shared human condition.