Source of Emotion (The Science of Human Emotions)

Author: (American) Victor S. Johnston, translated by Weng Enqi, Liu Yun, Liu Huaqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: "Why can we perceive beauty and detect ugliness? Why do we feel anger, happiness, and sorrow. This is a work that interprets human emotions and aesthetics from a completely new perspective. For those who are captivated by the complexity of the human spirit, this is a must-read." — David Buss
We always think we live in a colorful world. In reality, this world has no light, no fragrance, and no music—it is merely filled with various types of electromagnetic waves and chemical molecules. Yet these substances evoke in us, triggering our joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness. Why do we experience these feelings? What meaning do our joys, affections, sorrows, anger, and even fear hold for us? Why do we have these emotions? What significance do our joys, affections, sorrows, anger, and even fear hold for us? Attractive men and beautiful women delight us. But in a rabbit's eyes, they might be no different from an ugly Shih Tzu. In this book, Professor Johnston explores these fascinating questions in a clear and vivid manner. From computer simulations to evolutionary psychology research, the author portrays the decisive role of natural selection in the evolution of human emotions. Based on a wealth of evidence, he argues that the foundation of our humanity—emotions—like other bodily structures, exist for the survival of genes.