Full Idea
There are three fundamental species passions - emotions, moods, and desires. …What all passions have in common is their ability to bestow meaning to the circumstances of our lives.
Gist of Idea
Passions exist as emotions, moods and desires, which all generate meaning
Source
Robert C. Solomon (The Passions [1976], 3.2)
Book Reference
Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.70
A Reaction
Moods are said to be 'generalised emotions', where emotions are about something, and desires add objectives. Solomon criticises rigid divisions between mental faculties and states, but it is hard to disagree with this distinction.