Re: META: Emotions "vestigial"? was Re: On being Extropian (

Chris Hind (chind@juno.com)
Thu, 17 Oct 1996 10:25:10 -0700


>I'd argue that all "motivation", the kind that actually gets you out
>of bed in the morning, bent on doing something other than
>elimination or(perhaps) eating, is emotional/chemical at root.

I suppose you're right. I would've never gotten into science & tech if it
wasn't for the euphoric feeling of creating new ideas. That particular
feeling would be nonexistant under complete logic. But then maybe some
emotions are vestigial such as sadness which only appears to be harmful in
that it makes you nonproductive. Maybe we should all just think... Our
friend has died. life goes on. but we don't we feel sadness. Why? What
practical purpose does it serve?

>Logic is *useful*--SOMETIMES.

ALOT

>Emotions are *fun*--SOMETIMES.

>Are emotions ever useful? Is logic ever fun? Hmm--I'd say yes. Hmmmm.

I suppose you're right. Perhaps they go hand in hand. Maybe we need subtler
more complex emotions? Perhaps thats what we're evolving to.