🤖 Second Nature: Mingling Instinct and Habit 🌿
Definition:
Second Nature: A deeply ingrained habit that makes one behave as if by instinct. This concept is very old—“Custom is second nature” is how it was put by Plutarch, Montaigne, and other early writers—but appeared in English at first only in translations of this proverb. The modern usage dates from the early 1900s. In The Confidential Clerk (1954), T. S. Eliot wrote, “I do feel more at ease . . . behind a desk. It’s second nature.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Habit: Something one does regularly without thinking.
- Routine: A sequence of actions regularly followed.
- Instinct: An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior.
- Autopilot: Operating independently of external input; perform without conscious thought.
- Muscle Memory: The ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition.
Proverbs and Wisdom:
- “Old habits die hard.” – True habits will follow you to the grave.
- “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” – Don’t try to change a well-ingrained second nature.
Humorous Quotes:
- “Doing it this way is second nature to me… like breathing, or ruining a perfectly good meal.” – Anonymous Chef
- “It’s second nature, like scrolling Twitter when I’m supposed to be working.” – Office Worker
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
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Books:
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: A practical guide on forming good habits.
- Deep Work by Cal Newport: Mastery of habits in deep, concentrated work.
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Songs:
- “Love the Way You Lie” by Eminem ft. Rihanna: A look into the predictable (and toxic) habits in relationships.
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Poetry:
- Habit by Michael Rank: A reflection on how daily habits shape identity and life.
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Movies:
- Groundhog Day: It might take a lifetime, but even second nature can change with enough time!
Inspirational Thought:
“Habits start as cobwebs and evolve into cables. Soon, they become second nature—a core part of the magic that makes you, you.” – Samantha Wordsmith
Hope you enjoyed this exploration of second nature! Remember, even the most ingrained habits can be transformed over time. Keep curious, keep evolving!
– 💼 Samantha Wordsmith
