Analysis: Are Emotions Always Positive?

Are Emotions Always Positive?
In order to determine whether or not emotions are always positive, we have to first decide which definition of positive is most relevant to the concept of human emotion. When used as an adjective, the term positive can mean clear and definite. In regard to this definition, emotions are often too complex to appropriately define or describe. It is within these intricate emotions that people arrive to the conclusion that feelings, such as love or hate, are beyond description. Robert C. Solomon goes into detail about this concept by stating that “even describing something as specific as a migraine headache falls back on clumsy metaphors (“as if my head is in a vise,” “as if someone where driving a nail through my skull”) (pg.382).” Since difficult emotions are harder to pinpoint, we often describe the physical and mental effects. As a …show more content…
However, Western Buddhists, such as the Dalai Lama, disagree with the idea that bad emotions can be used to accomplish positive things. These Buddhist believe it is possible to overcome and eliminate natural emotions. According to Owen Flanagan’s Destructive Emotions, “the belief that anger ought to be eliminated is not an idle, impossible ideal within Tibetan Buddhism.” I do not agree with the Dalai Lama. Eliminating anger will be harmful because all emotions are essential. Taking away the feeling of anger is removing all things created through the expression of anger including art and music. This applies to all emotions both positive and negative. Emotions play an important role in every aspect that makes us who we are. Emotions are deeply rooted within our personal identities. The way we feel and react to certain news and events is a reflection of our personalities, values, and beliefs. It is also a reflection of our societal values. In certain cultures displaying to much emotion is sign of lack