Single Idea 23940

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 3. Emotions / c. Role of emotions]

Full Idea

Every emotion is a strategy, a purposive attempt to structure our world in such a way as to maximise our sense of personal dignity and self-esteem.

Gist of Idea

Emotions are strategies for maximising our sense of dignity and self-esteem

Source

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

Book Reference

Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.-7


A Reaction

This is the main thesis of Solomon's book. There doesn't seem to be much to admire in what he takes to be our chief motivation. I would put a much more social spin on it - that our underlying urge is not self-promotion, but to fit into a community.

Related Idea

Idea 23946 The passions are subjective, concerning what is important to me, rather than facts [Solomon]