"The man of sensibility is too busy talking about his feelings to have time for good deeds"

Mason Cooley's observation highlights an interesting tension between self-reflection and outward action, particularly as it relates to people who are deeply in touch with their emotions. The "man of sensibility" embodies sensitivity and acute awareness of his own feelings, which might initially seem like a virtue. Such awareness, however, can become a kind of emotional self-absorption. Instead of using emotional insight as a springboard for compassion or aid, the focus remains internal, centering on the articulation and contemplation of one’s experiences.

When attention is consumed by the narration or analysis of personal sentiments, fewer resources remain for practical engagement with the needs of others. The implication is not that feelings themselves are unimportant, but that preoccupation with discussing them becomes a substitute for concrete acts of kindness or moral responsibility. Talking about one's inner life is easier and often more gratifying on a personal level than the messier, sometimes unrewarding labor of actually making a difference in the world. Redirecting mental energy toward outward actions demands effort, self-forgetfulness, and courage, qualities that excessive self-reflection can erode.

Cooley’s reflection is especially pertinent in a cultural context where emotional transparency is prized and often mistaken for virtue. Articulating feelings, sharing vulnerabilities, and engaging in dialogues about emotions are seen as progressive and healthy. However, the line between catharsis and narcissism, between being emotionally expressive and being self-centered, can blur. The kind of good deeds referenced require empathy, discipline, resolve, and often a willingness to put one’s own feelings aside, at least temporarily, to truly attend to someone else’s wellbeing. Ultimately, the real moral measure lies not in how deeply we feel or how eloquently we express those feelings, but in the impact of our actions on others.