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Single Idea 4849

[from 'The Ethics' by Baruch de Spinoza, in 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / e. Basic emotions ]

Full Idea

I recognise only three primitive or primary emotions, namely, pleasure, pain and desire.

Gist of Idea

The three primary emotions are pleasure, pain and desire

Source

Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], IIIEm Df 4)

Book Reference

Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.175


A Reaction

Interesting, but hard to justify. Presumably one can analyse fear as desire for no pain, and grief as desire for the return of pleasure, etc. It is a nice exercise in introspective psychology, but I don't feel much wiser for it.