Single Idea 23958

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / f. Emotion and reason]

Full Idea

What is often called the 'irrationality' of our emotions is rather the faulty timing or inept choice of their expressions.

Gist of Idea

The supposed irrationality of our emotions is often tactless or faulty expression of them

Source

Robert C. Solomon (The Passions [1976], 6.4)

Book Reference

Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.190


A Reaction

The irrationality can be pretty obvious when having a tantrum over trivia, or resenting some tiny slight, or falling in love with a dead film star. That said, his point is well made.