Full Idea
We try to manipulate our emotions all the time, but all we are doing is arranging the outside world so it triggers certain emotions - we cannot control our reactions directly.
Gist of Idea
The only way we can control our emotions is by manipulating the outside world that influences them
Source
Rita Carter (Mapping the Mind [1998], p.155)
Book Reference
Carter,Rita: 'Mapping the Mind' [Phoenix 2000], p.155
A Reaction
This seems to me to throw a very illuminating light on a huge amount of human behaviour, such as going to the cinema or listening to music. The romantic movement encouraged direct internal manipulation. Compare sex fantasies with viewing pornography.