In politics, in the office, in school, in the family… The precept of charity has become ubiquitous in all spheres of life. “It’s almost like a healthcare transition during a pandemic, it has to be produced systematically. The result is proclaimed, but increasingly contrived.”In her latest book, psychiatrist Stephanie Howso laments, Let your emotions live without guilt or worry (Odile Jacob, 2022).
Of course, the intention is commendable. Wishing the good of others, showing understanding and indulgence towards them contributes to the development of cooperation necessary for the life of society. But what sometimes becomes problematic, even counterproductive, we try to impose it everywhere. “We are instructed to feel positive and generous emotions, but emotions cannot be ordered. To order someone to feel it is to condemn them not to feel it, to cause them stress and to risk them in their attitude…
Source: Le Figaro
