Consciousness of self allows us to reflect on our responses to stimuli and rectify errors in our impulsive reactions. The speed of unconscious, intuitive reaction is fast and usually more accurate. It is, however, prone to blanket judgement, prejudice and sweeping opinion. The unconscious is preferable in choosing a mate, responding to physical attacks etc but can prefer the known, the predictable. People have a natural distrust of strangers though need them to expand beyond immediate familial tribal relationships. Consciousness enables us to overcome prejudice.