Are emotions universal? This is the question we asked David Le Breton, an anthropologist and sociologist, author of a fascinating essay. If the perception of the world differs according to place, history, time… there can be a common language thanks to speech and dialogue.
The small faces in the notebook indicate joy, fear, surprise, disappointment, indignation, jealousy, satisfaction… This is how children with autistic disorders are taught to identify the feelings of others. Because compassion is the key to managing your own emotions. But it starts with a postulate: there would be a way to be afraid, happy or sad. However, emotions, while natural, are also a product of culture, society, even era. Are emotions biological or cultural? Can we learn them? Answer by David Le Breton, professor at the University of Strasbourg, author a Anthropology of Emotions (Editor: Payot).
Biology or culture?
It is often said that experiencing the thrill of a horror film is a reminder of our wild state; the autonomic nervous system prepares us for impending danger. It is also said that tears release stress hormones, that the hormone…
Source: Le Figaro
