According to psychological historian Gerald Heard, for as long as humans have been on this earth they have been evolving psychologically. Contrary to what many people believe, there is a purpose to this evolution and that purpose is to create a rational, critical, thinking human being who is capable of understanding both herself and her non-physical source. For it is only when we become fully aware of ourselves as individuals that we can truly become co-creators with God, or the larger consciousness. Before we developed a self-consciousness, we were more like the animals. But without a strong sense of self, we were limited emotionally, spiritually, physically, and psychologically.
Fear is a natural consequence of becoming self-conscious.
We fear ourselves, our world, and the non-physical source we are slowly becoming distanced from. No longer can we rely on instinct alone to guide us. We must think for ourselves, and sometimes that's frightening. Awareness of self also brings with it a sense of guilt and shame. A baby is not ashamed to be naked, nor does she feel guilty about taking up a good amount of her mother's time.