I am interested in investigating, through discussion, the impact of evolution on my perceptions and emotions and resultant behaviors. I offer this as a personal exploration rather than a more lofty investigation of mankind in general (although it may appear as such). I am a novice in these areas with limited education (2 degrees). These ideas may already have been considered and dismissed long ago. For me; they are new and stimulating in their possibilities.

I believe there are three laws inherently guiding the actions of every species that survives today or ever survived for any length of time. I believe these laws guide us individually and socially. In fact, I believe all laws can be found to have their roots within derivations of these laws. In their crudest iterations, and reflecting their probable order in a healthy psyche, these laws are: (An underlying concept in my “philosophy” is that humans are indeed a herd species.)

1.     Self-preservation: in its most extreme forms; we call it cowardice, in  lesser forms; avarice, egocentric, selfishness. In its everyday guise we praise it with labels like; ambition, achievement, and strength. Fear, courage, determination quickly come to mind as tools of this driving force. Self –preservation is on an individual basis but must also consider every aspect of social interaction. That is: when an individual identifies with a group, on any basis, his “self-preservation” connects with that group. The level of commitment is a reflection of his own internal struggle of the three laws.

2.     Procreation: Given that this law governs all aspects of sexual activity; not just impregnation. “What fools these mortals be”. History is rife with demonstrations as to what man will do to have sexual contact with another being. There are innumerable volumes dedicated to exploring the motivations and exertions to which a species will go to copulate. We may laugh at birds building bizarre nests in order to attract a mate while we carefully dress and apply cologne, live in the right nest, drive the right car, and so-on in order to achieve the same goal. Above and beyond that which is truly necessary for continued existence are only affectations which demonstrate obeisance to the law.

3.     Compassion: Is core to the sacrifices a single individual makes to further the cause of those he “loves”. It acts on the most personal level as well as the larger stage of social involvements. Whether a single parent working two jobs to support their offspring or Mother Theresa, the law is immutable.

These laws are housed within the most primeval section of our modern brain. We can observe them, as from a distance, like we witness our pulse and heartbeat. They are in constant struggle for supremacy. We cannot access this area only, address it. I can, to an extent, control my respiration and heart rate for a limited time. I can, on a conscious level (which is a reflection of my engrained social involvements), impact the struggle between these three laws (seldom have I met with a sufficient degree of success). I believe that indeed the laws may have, within the individual, a hierarchy which allows one law to dominate, to a greater or lesser degree, the other two. Further; the less volatile the struggle the more “at peace” with himself and thusly confident/competent he appears to others in his daily routine.

My struggle is very unrelenting. I think; therefore I observe the struggle.

control how the “laws” interact and thus impact the outcome of their struggles. I learned that my brain was rewarded with endorphins when I physically exerted myself. I tried to examine this concept and realized my mood was elevated after a run. Further analysis could not identify the processes involved, only that I could indeed accept the result. That is; after a run I felt “better”.   Within the fundamental part of my brain, there is an area housing that which has allowed our evolution. This part of the brain is as fundamental and integral as that part controlling respiration and heartbeat.

I believe there is a portion of  my brain  dedicated to  I believe there are three laws immutably coloring our perceptions and subconsciously governing our actions. In homo sapiens this conflict manifests itself in what we consider the “soul or conscience”. I do not believe I possess an eternal soul. I do believe that the part of me one may identify as the soul is in reality part of my brain which allows the three laws to fight for supremacy.

Every species inherently share these laws. Even single cell organisms demonstrate the laws in deed. In their crudest iterations these laws are; procreate, self preservation, compassion. I believe most conflicts, internal and social, arise from the constant conflict these laws exert in their individual fight for supremacy