Yes you are right.

Interesting isn't it. We are born with fewer instincts, but are highly adaptable, mostly to each others emotions.

A lot of our monotonous emptiness comes from not being alive to the world around us, because we are lost in circular thinking. Much of that mental noise is due to emotional conditioning and seeking approval, recognition status. 

Real knowledge has a more selfless and fascinating aspect to it, it is easily updatable because it likes to be surprised and expand. 

So I guess there is a distinction to be made there.

One is receptive
The other is reactive

Does that gel better?