🧬 It’s Second Nature 🔄
When we say something is “second nature,” we’re referring to a habit so ingrained it feels innate and automatic. This phrase harks back to the ancients—Plutarch and Montaigne both championed the sentiment, observing how customs can become as instinctual as our primary nature.
Definition: A deeply ingrained habit that makes one behave as if by instinct.
Synonyms:
- Ingrained habit
- Automatic response
- Reflexive action
- Instinctual behavior
- Natural habit
Antonyms:
- Conscious effort
- Deliberate action
- Unfamiliar task
- Learned skill
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Folding laundry isn’t just second nature, it’s like breathing! Especially if breathing triggered eye rolls as frequently.” — Anonymous Homemaker
- “Operating the TV remote is second nature—probably nature’s apology for doing math during commercials.” — @TechyHugo
Proverbs:
- “Old habits die hard.”
- “Custom is second nature.”
- “Habits come in unnoticed, and in time deny us with impunity.”
Related Phrases:
- Like riding a bicycle (easily recalled)
- On autopilot (operating subconsciously)
- Muscle memory (retained skill through repetition)
- In one’s DNA (fundamental and inherent)
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Literature: The Confidential Clerk by T.S. Eliot
- Books: Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Songs: “Second Nature” by Flying Lotus
- Poetry: “Habits” by Marge Piercy
- Movies: Groundhog Day – exploring the vigor of repeated actions
Quizzes 🧠
### Which of these quotes exemplifies ‘second nature’?
- [x] "It's as natural as breathing."
- [ ] "Walking on hot coals."
- [ ] "Swimming in molasses."
- [ ] "Flying with lead wings."
> **Explanation:** The phrase "It's as natural as breathing" seamlessly captures the essence of 'second nature,' signifying an action performed so effortlessly it's almost automatic.
### Which of these terms is synonymous with 'second nature'?
- [ ] Pretentious behavior
- [x] Ingrained habit
- [ ] New venture
- [ ] Foreign affair
> **Explanation:** "Ingrained habit" accurately matches the ease and fluency implied by 'second nature,' unlike the other options.
### Identify the correct usage of ‘second nature’:
- [x] "Typing on a keyboard is second nature to me now."
- [ ] "Climbing Everest is second nature."
- [ ] "Learning new languages is a second nature."
- [ ] "Painting this portrait feels like second nature for a beginner."
> **Explanation:** "Typing on a keyboard is second nature to me now" fits perfectly as an ingrained, instinctive habit, unlike the more challenging or novice actions implied in the incorrect options.
### True or False: 'Second nature' implies a conscious effort.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** 'Second nature' refers to something that happens so automatically it requires no conscious effort—a stark contrast to something that needs intentional focus.
### In which of these scenarios would 'second nature' fit?
- [x] A barista effortlessly making coffee drinks.
- [ ] A novice learning to play the violin.
- [ ] A scientist discovering a new element.
- [ ] A chef creating their first gourmet dish.
> **Explanation:** A barista, presumably experienced, would make coffee so habitually it becomes second nature, unlike the learning or exploratory experiences in other scenarios.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Dear reader, may the understanding of ‘second nature’ inspire patience through practice and delight in effortlessness, recognizing that today’s challenges may become tomorrow’s instincts.
Yours truly in timeless habit, A. N. Guinyu
