"يبذل الإنسان قصارى جهده لنسيان الحقيقة، لكنه حيوان"

People often forget that, at our core, we humans are animals. Sure, we have developed technologies, built societies, and even ventured into space, but none of that changes our basic nature. We’re driven by instincts, emotions, and physical needs just like any other creature on this planet.

Think back to when this idea gained prominence. Around the time of Charles Darwin, during the 19th century, the theory of evolution stirred up a lot of controversies. Before Darwin, people mostly believed that humans were separate from the animal kingdom—special, even sacred. But with Darwin’s theory, it became clear that we share a common ancestry with other animals. This revelation was a huge shift in understanding ourselves and where we come from. It's not a surprise that many found it tough to accept.

Imagine this scenario: You're giving a presentation at work. You’ve prepared for days, but as you stand in front of your colleagues, your heart races, palms sweat, and your mind starts to blank out. That's your 'animal' side showing. It's a fight-or-flight response—something designed to protect you in dangerous situations, but not so handy in a modern office setting. This is a perfect example of how our animal instincts are still very much a part of us, even if we don't always recognize it.

So how can we apply this understanding in everyday life? First, accept that it's okay to have instincts and emotions. They're not flaws; they're part of being human. When you find yourself getting angry, nervous, or even happy, take a moment to acknowledge those feelings. Don't push them aside. Instead, try to understand where they’re coming from and how you can channel them positively.

For instance, think about someone trying to get fit. They might beat themselves up for craving junk food or skipping a workout. But if they accept that their body—like any animal’s—is wired to seek out high-calorie foods and conserve energy, they can stop the self-blame. Instead, they can create strategies that work with their natural tendencies, not against them. Maybe they can stock up on healthy snacks that they enjoy or find physical activities they love so much, they don't feel like a chore.

Let me tell you a story about my friend, Sarah. She used to struggle with stress. She'd get overwhelmed at work and shut down completely. Once, during a particularly tough project, she felt utterly paralyzed. I remember her saying, "I feel like I’m just not cut out for this."

Over coffee one day, we talked about how our bodies react to stress. I shared the idea that her intense reactions were just her body’s way of responding to what it perceived as a threat. It wasn't a sign of weakness, but a natural response. That realization was a game-changer for her. She learned to recognize the signs of stress early and started practicing mindfulness and deep-breathing techniques. Instead of fighting her instincts, she worked with them. Now, she handles stress like a pro.

So, next time you're hard on yourself for feeling a certain way or acting impulsively, remember—you’re just being human. Embrace it. Understand it. Use it to your advantage. After all, recognizing our animal nature doesn't diminish us; it makes us more authentically ourselves.