In 'How Emotions are Made', Lisa Feldman Barrett challenges the traditional view of emotions as universal and biologically hardwired. She unveils the groundbreaking theory that emotions are constructed by our brains based on personal experiences, cultural background, and the context we find ourselves in. Through fascinating research and compelling stories, Barrett reveals how understanding this process can empower us to reshape our emotional lives. By rethinking our emotional responses, we can enhance well-being and improve our interactions with others. This book invites readers to explore the intricate interplay of thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, and to rethink what it truly means to be emotional.
By Lisa Feldman Barrett
Published: 2017
"Emotions are not pre-programmed reactions; they are constructed in the moment, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and the social context in which we find ourselves."
"Fascinating . . . A thought-provoking journey into emotion science." -- Wall Street Journal "A singular book, remarkable for the freshness of its ideas and the boldness and clarity with which they are presented." -- Scientific American "A brilliant and original book on the science of emotion, by the deepest thinker about this topic since Darwin." -- Daniel Gilbert, best-selling author of Stumbling on Happiness The science of emotion is in the midst of a revolution on par with the discovery of relativity in physics and natural selection in biology. Leading the charge is psychologist and neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, whose research overturns the long-standing belief that emotions are automatic, universal, and hardwired in different brain regions. Instead, Barrett shows, we construct each instance of emotion through a unique interplay of brain, body, and culture. A lucid report from the cutting edge of emotion science, How Emotions Are Made reveals the profound real-world consequences of this breakthrough for everything from neuroscience and medicine to the legal system and even national security, laying bare the immense implications of our latest and most intimate scientific revolution. "Mind-blowing." -- Elle "Chock-full of startling, science-backed findings . . . An entertaining and engaging read. " -- Forbes
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“Emotions are not pre-programmed reactions; they are constructed in the moment, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and the social context in which we find ourselves.”
How Emotions are Made
By Lisa Feldman Barrett
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Lisa Feldman Barrett is a distinguished psychologist and author known for her groundbreaking work in the field of emotion psychology. She is the author of several notable books, including 'How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain,' where she challenges traditional views on emotions and presents a new conceptual framework based on her research. Her writing style is characterized by clarity and accessibility, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a broad audience. Barrett's work has been influential in reshaping how we perceive emotions and their role in human experience, earning her recognition as a leading voice in contemporary psychology.
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