Reaction is an instinctive, unconscious response rooted in ancient survival mechanisms, while response arises from consciousness and understanding. Our biological instincts evolved for survival, but modern life demands that we move beyond them. Emotional reactivity makes us predictable and controllable, allowing others to manipulate our emotional triggers. True freedom lies in pausing before reacting, examining emotions, thinking deeply, and responding consciously rather than living as slaves to instinct.
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Acharya Prashant: Reaction is something like reflex action. So where do these reflexes come from? Does a little baby have reflexes, yes or no?
Listener: Yes.
Acharya Prashant: So where do these reflexes come from? They come from Mother Nature. They come from the mother's womb. You don't have to be taught reflexes. They exist right in your body.
You bring a finger towards a little baby, just let's say a month old. You bring your little finger gently towards his eyes, and what will he do? Nobody taught the baby to do this. Instinctively, the baby knows that some foreign object is coming towards the eye, so the eyelids have to be shut, right?
