The
word "emotion" itself already discloses some of its meaning. It is deduced
from the Latin word for "motion" and relates for that matter to things
that "move" us. Emotions rule us: the brain is already occupied with the
emotion long before we notice this ourselves. A cause for this is that
external stimulations are dealt with first by the parts of our brain that
deal with emotions (most of these stimulations are dealt with on
"autopilot"). Only later, certain "selected" stimulations or experiences
can reach parts of the brain that allow us to experience this emotion
consciously. This means that everything that we experience has been
"pre-treated" emotionally. In addition to this treatment, our emotional
think patterns also select what emotions are forwarded to more conscious
parts of the brain. Emotion works in this respect as a gatekeeper: It only
lets things through that in consideration of the current circumstances
have a meaning or should be looked into in more detail. The consciousness
is always running behind. Either it joins the already developed thought
pattern or slows our reaction down by analyzing our emotions and
potentially changing our response. Because our behaviour is culturally
founded on a basis of controlling our emotions, one could also say
"Advancement inhibits".
Concluding it can be stated that our behaviour
is foremost guided by emotions that work as "autopilots" long before we
have had a chance to consciously decide on it.
Last update: 05.10.2007
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