ABSTRACT
The manner and timing of repetitions of the danger situation make for people’s reacting in different ways. Where there is a regular recurrence of the danger, and precautions against it become part of the habitual round of daily life, there is apt to be a marked reduction of alarm. Where the fear of recurrence may have been waning, a new event which recalls the past disaster may revive the belief in an inevitable series of catastrophes. The legend of the Tower of Babel similarly warns against trying to make oneself immune against the recurrence of a catastrophe. When a disastrous event has just occurred an atmosphere of danger prevails. This sense of continued threat from the original destructive agency may persist for longer or shorter periods, depending on the nature of the catastrophe and the susceptibilities of the individual.
