I read through Wikipedia’s article on Fear.

Charles Darwin provides us with a vivid description of fear in his book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals:

“Fear is often preceded by astonishment, and is so far akin to it, that both lead to the senses of sight and hearing being instantly aroused. In both cases the eyes and mouth are widely opened, and the eyebrows raised. The frightened man at first stands like a statue motionless and breathless, or crouches down as if instinctively to escape observation. The heart beats quickly and violently, so that it palpitates or knocks against the ribs… That the skin is much affected under the sense of great fear, we see in the marvellous manner in which perspiration immediately exudes from it… The hairs also on the skin stand erect; and the superficial muscles shiver. In connection with the disturbed action of the heart, the breathing is hurried. The salivary glands act imperfectly; the mouth becomes dry, and is often opened and shut.”

In the section Thrill of Fear in the article, Wikipedia suggests that fear is “usually perceived as a negative emotion – something to be afraid of or feared in itself.” In my opinion, fear is one of the most positive emotions. (more…)