'How Emotions Are Made' Is The Must Read Book Of 2017
Start writing a post
Student Life

'How Emotions Are Made' Is The Must Read Book Of 2017

The most informative book to understanding your emotions.

99
'How Emotions Are Made' Is The Must Read Book Of 2017
Ky Jordan

For the last month I have been reading a book titled "How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain" by Lisa Feldman Barrett (published March 2017).

One of the reasons I love this book so much is because psychologist Lisa Barrett explains many functions of the brain along with scientific evidence and findings of others as well as her own team, in order to support the theory of constructed emotion. I'll get into more of what that theory is later.

So yes, this book is scientific, factual, and considerably boring to many young people; but think of it this way: all people feel and experience emotion, but how are these emotions made and where do they come from? So many times in American society, we see people getting taken over by their emotions and finding no grip on them. Knowing and understanding what emotions are and how they're created in our minds is something I would consider very necessary to everybody. If I asked you to share how your emotions are created, would you be able to confidently answer? If not, then this book is for you.

Barrett supports the theory of constructed emotion in this book, and she presents different studies, scientific evidence, and explanations to back up this theory. What is really interesting is that she has her own lab with researchers and has done plenty of her own research and experiments. She also is a professor of psychology at Northeastern University. The theory of constructed emotion believes claims that emotions are not all experienced the same by everyone, as well as not universally recognized. That is to say that scowling does not always imply angry, and angry does not always imply scowling. The way emotions are experienced from individual to individual are formed by past experiences as wiring and training the brain to react the way it does. In many cultures, there are similar emotion recognitions because the people are raised in similar environments.

Whilst arguing for this theory, she also argues against the classical view of emotion. This view suggests that all emotions are universal and universally recognized. Barrett provides sufficient evidence against this view and I suppose I'll leave all that up to you to read the book.

Bottom line is that this book is incredible. If you are someone who doesn't completely understand where your emotions come from and you want to know, then I highly recommend this book. I can say for myself after reading this, that I feel so much more informed and I understand myself even better. I have enjoyed sharing all I have learned from this reading with my peers because it is such important information to know, but so many people do not know. "How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain" provides information for brain functions that support findings regarding emotion, provides different studies and much scientific evidence. If you don't know how emotions are made in your brain, I recommend you read this book. It can be a tough read at points, but it's worth it.

Also, if you want just a little taste of the ideas presented in the book or the main topics before devoting yourself to reading the entire book, Lisa Feldman Barrett is in a podcast through The Art Of Charm (Episode 616, May 11th). It's amazing, good questions, easy to follow, and you can simply listen to it while you drive or walk or eat! So take a look into this book and everything you can learn about yourself and where your emotions come from!


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41046
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25597
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951082
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133909
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments