Skip to main content

What's the difference among intuition, instinct, and judgment?

Silhouette of woman - black and white

Have you ever wondered what exactly is the difference between "Intuition," "Judgment" and "Instinct?" We sometimes use them interchangeably to mean one and the same. I stumbled upon a Quora's answer. In short, intuition is acquired and instinct is inherent - but both allow us to react without judgment. Judgment is a conscious act and involves reasoning.


Intuition 

The ability to acquire knowledge without inference or the use of reason. It's automatic without requiring thought. Think of how with experience to something, you can automatically react to a situation because your mind has internalised a response.


Instinct

Human inherent inclination to react to a situation, due to unlearned and inherited patterns. It can be regarded as genetic almost - being programmed to think and act a certain way.

   

     Judgment

A cognitive process that results in an opinion about something. Unlike instinct and intuition, it involves reasoning.

My synopsis in short:

  • Intuition is what naturally comes to mind based on our divine perception -- what we know deep down to be right or wrong
  • Instinct is you gut reaction - what your heart and your mind are telling you to do and feel.
  • Judgment is what we come up with after we have put some thought into it, based on our surroundings and what we've been exposed to—basically, our formative opinion.
"The Brain- It's Your Institution - Use It Wisely."
 ~ Andrene Gregory


Therefore, let your intuition be your guide to trust your instinct to make the right judgment.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Personal Sunday Reflection on the Three Stages of Life: Rest in Peace, My Brother.

A personal Sunday reflection of my brother’s life and legacy, in what I call the three stages of life—birth and development, the pursuit and the chase, and sickness and dying— illuminating the gift of mortality. Rest in peace, my brother. Life often demands reflection in its quietest moments. It's no wonder some people are always busy. The recent passing of my brother, Donovan, brought me to one of these moments—confronted by the stillness of an early morning ten days after his departure, I had an epiphany . In that silence, I considered the arc of life, its inevitable stages, and the truths that define us. From the beginning of birth to the vigour of youth and its pursuits of adulthood, to the finale—the fragility of aging and dying. I contemplated that life unfolds in three distinct but interconnected phases: birth and development, the pursuit, and sickness and dying.   Birth and Development: The Foundation of Self Life begins with hope and infinite potential. Each birth represe...

MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY: How I Loss Over 30 Pounds In 3 Months

Weight is an everyday epidemic. We have all struggled with it at one point in our lives or the other. Whether it is to lose it or to gain it. One of the biggest contributor to gaining or losing weight is STRESS! There is no doubt then that to lose weight, means first and foremost to reduce unnecessary stress in your life. One way to reduce negative stress is to infuse your life with more activities of mindfulness to ward off boredom and anxiety. If your goal this year is to drop some pounds, kudos to you! Losing weight is one of the best goals to set for yourself. Weight control is paramount to our health, happiness and livelihood. Without our health, we can not really achieve much of anything or as much we would like to.  Losing weight is not just about eating less or exercising more.  To lose weight, you MUST make a conscious self-determination  to make it happen. It requires careful planning of meals and activities, a lot of sacrifices and someone to hol...

MEDITATION: The how and why

Meditation is an ancient practice that holds the key to inner peace, self-relaxation, and personal growth. It can be your path to tranquility, clarity of thought, and the attainment of your loftiest aspirations. So, why should you meditate, and how can you harness its incredible potential? Let's delve into the art of meditation, uncovering the 'how' and 'why' behind this transformative practice. Creating Your Serene Sanctuary Before you embark on your meditation journey, it's vital to find a serene space that allows you to escape the clamour of everyday life. Whether you choose to sit or lie down, the location should exude a sense of calm. Silence, or even some gentle background music if you prefer, can set the stage for your meditation session. The Path to Relaxation As you settle into your chosen spot, take a moment to consciously relax every muscle in your body. This step is crucial, for it prepares you to embark on your meditation adventure. Gently close you...