"The problem with emotion was that it was clearly something important, but-at least according to the old philosophy-it was something to overcome"
- Donald Norman
About this Quote
Donald Norman's quote from "The Style of Everyday Things" looks into the complex relationship in between emotion and rationality, particularly within the context of philosophy and human experience. At its core, the quote highlights a traditionally prevalent view in approach and society that concerns feeling as something secondary to factor, often viewed as a barrier to be overcome in the pursuit of clear thinking and objective decision-making.
Emotion, as Norman indicates, holds intrinsic value. It is an essential element of the human experience, informing intentions, dreams, and connections with others. Feelings can improve creativity, empathy, and individual satisfaction. They signify to individuals that something matters, triggering attention to elements of life that require much deeper factor to consider or immediate action. For instance, emotions like worry can signal threat, while joy can suggest fulfillment and achievement.
Nevertheless, the "old approach" Norman referrals posits that feelings should be controlled or transcended to achieve clearness and rationality. This perspective is rooted in the belief that feelings can cloud judgment and result in impulsive or irrational actions. Philosophers like Plato emphasized the supremacy of reason over feeling, suggesting that for people to live ethical and virtuous lives, they need to control their emotional reactions. This viewpoint aligns with the idea of Stoicism, where psychological discipline is key to cultivating a life of wisdom and inner peace.
In modern times, the understanding of emotion has evolved. Contemporary thought acknowledges that feeling and factor are not mutually exclusive however rather intertwined elements of decision-making. Feeling offers context and depth to logical thought, including a layer of comprehending that factor alone can not attain. The combination of emotional intelligence in individual and expert arenas highlights the value of recognizing and utilizing feelings as important elements of efficient interaction and decision-making processes.
In amount, while the traditional view sees emotion as something to overcome, a more holistic understanding appreciates its necessary function in improving human experience and informs the adaptive interaction between sensation and idea.
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