Self-transcendent emotions

[proteanmix]

From here

The researchers say elevation is part of a family of self-transcending emotions. Some others are awe, that sense of the vastness of the universe and smallness of self that is often invoked by nature; another is admiration, that goose-bump-making thrill that comes from seeing exceptional skill in action. Keltner says we most powerfully experience these in groups—no wonder people spontaneously ran into the street on election night, hugging strangers. "We had to evolve these emotions to devote ourselves into social collectives," he says.

I wonder if people are feeling less self-transcending emotion in recent generations and hence the disconnect so many feel from their communities.

The dark side of self-transcending emotion:

Haidt acknowledges that in "calling the group to greatness," elevation can be used for murderous ends. He says: "Anything that takes us out of ourselves and makes us feel we are listening to something larger is part of morality. It's about pressing the buttons that turn off 'I' and turn on 'we.' "

I can count on my hand the number of times I've felt positive self-transcendent emotion. Those have been good moments.

The turning off 'I' and turning on 'we' part is something I'm going to have to think about when I feel like thinking hard and long.

Anyway I think I'm going to put this book on my things to read list.
Theory and Research on Human Emotions, Volume 21

 

[Guest]

With regard to the dark side of self-transcending emotion, I can see this as the force that is in effect when groups of strangers riot or beat someone to death (I've read terrible stories of this happening, for example, after a driver accidentally hit someone near a group of people) and, of course, in instances of religious or cultural fueled retaliation for real or perceived slights. It's truly very scary what we are capable of in the group mindset.