Born Into a World of Fear: How Generational Trauma Shapes Society

Within the womb, a foetus develops all the faculties needed to enter the world. Some of these faculties may develop extremely well, while others might lag behind. Regardless of these differences, every individual is born into a world that presents challenges—whether they fit seamlessly into society or not. Some are born into what we consider “normal,” easily adapting to their environment. Yet, none of us are born with emotions like fear, hate, or anger. We enter the world as bundles of love and joy, nurtured in the relative safety of our mother’s womb.

However, this innocence is fragile. Some new borns are welcomed with love, while others face rejection or abandonment. And inevitably, all of them—regardless of their start—will encounter fear at some point in life. Childhood traumas, in particular, can leave deep scars, creating a lasting sense of fear that can persist for a lifetime and transfers to the next generation unconsciously.

Even in the most nurturing homes, parents, relatives, or acquaintances may knowingly or unknowingly inflict harm. As children grow, they encounter the broader world: media, politics, and society—no one is immune. Fear becomes instilled in us, not just by personal experiences, but by powerful forces in society that manipulate it to maintain control. The media, governments, and social structures often use fear as a tool to mould and manipulate collective thought, ensuring that society is shaped to serve the needs of those in power.

These manipulative groups further divide, fracturing into factions when discontent with leadership arises, creating chaos. The cycle perpetuates, as fear and division breed more fear and division. This dynamic is as old as humanity itself. I recently watched Napoleon, a film that reflects on the life of the famous French leader. Over 200 years have passed since his reign, yet the fundamental dynamics of society remain unchanged. Wars continue, greed remains rampant, and the gap between the rich and the poor widens. Crime persists, people still die in violent conflicts, and wars have grown deadlier as our technologies have advanced.

Today, social media frequently highlights the idea of “generational trauma,” particularly the emotional scars passed down from parents or grandparents. But have we considered the trauma inflicted by war and its long-term effects on each generation, on society, and on the world as a whole? The destructive power of war leaves a legacy of fear that echoes across generations, altering the course of humanity.

While much has changed over the centuries, the core causes of conflict have not. Napoleon sought to bring peace through victory, yet millions died in the pursuit of that goal. His era may seem distant, but the cycle continues—now with 8 billion people living in a world still defined by fear, division, and power struggles. The challenge before us is to recognize these cycles and break free from the fears that bind us. Until we do, history is doomed to repeat itself.