Single Idea 23998

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / g. Controlling emotions]

Full Idea

It is a mistake to speak as if emotional control is always a matter of controlling a token emotional response or action; …rather, it is like reshaping the channel along which future emotions can run.

Clarification

'Token' means a particular instance

Gist of Idea

Emotional control is less concerned with emotional incidents, and more with emotional tendencies

Source

Peter Goldie (The Emotions [2000], 4 'Education')

Book Reference

Goldie,Peter: 'The Emotions' [OUP 2002], p.117


A Reaction

Presumably wise parents direct habitual feelings, where less wise parents respond to outbursts. The very best parents therefore presumably achieve complete brainwashing, and eliminate all initiative. Er, perhaps I've misunderstood?