Dancing with the Devil: Why Bad Feelings Make Life Good

Although we frequently regard negative emotions like anger, envy, spite, and contempt as weeds in life's garden, philosopher Krista K. Thomason contends that they are essential for our well-being. She argues that these emotions are expressions of self-love and that they are valuable parts of our attachment to our lives. We don't have to battle or channel them into something productive; they are part of what makes life meaningful.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

We often view negative emotions, such as anger, envy, spite, and contempt, as the unwanted weeds in our life's garden. While we may not be able to eliminate them entirely, we are expected to confront and manage them as best we can. The ideal garden is one free from weeds, and the ideal life is one devoid of negative feelings. However, this notion is not entirely accurate, as philosopher Krista K. Thomason argues. Thomason suggests that negative feelings, rather than being weeds, are actually like worms in the garden. They exist beneath the surface and are often ignored or denied, but they play a crucial role in the overall health and vitality of the garden. Gardens are not better off without their worms, and neither are we. The key lies in learning to appreciate and embrace these negative feelings as integral components of our lives.

Thomason draws on insights from the history of philosophy to challenge our conventional understanding of negative emotions. She argues that negative emotions are not inherently bad or harmful. Instead, they are expressions of self-love, not egoism or selfishness. We experience negative emotions because our lives matter to us. When we encounter challenges or setbacks, we feel negative emotions as a way of expressing our attachment to ourselves and our goals. Thomason helps us examine individual negative feelings, such as anger, envy, jealousy, spite, and contempt. She demonstrates that these feelings are valuable parts of our attachment to our lives. Rather than trying to eliminate or suppress these feelings, Thomason suggests that we can learn to appreciate and understand them. By acknowledging and accepting our negative emotions, we can develop greater empathy and compassion for ourselves and others.

Thomason's approach offers a refreshing perspective on negative emotions. It challenges the notion that we should strive to eliminate or control these feelings, and instead encourages us to embrace them as an essential part of our human experience. By learning to appreciate and understand our negative emotions, we can cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. This can lead to more fulfilling relationships, improved mental health, and a more meaningful and purposeful life. In conclusion, Thomason's book offers a valuable contribution to the field of philosophy. By challenging our conventional understanding of negative emotions and promoting a more positive and inclusive view of these feelings, she helps us live better with them. Her insights offer a roadmap for individuals seeking to cultivate greater self-love, empathy, and resilience in their lives.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 148 x 218 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197673287