Second, Ekman, Matsumoto, and others who study facial expressions and the emotions they reflect are clear on what, for them, defines “basic”: we all have them, even if we’ve never seen them, and even if we’re chimpanzees. They aren’t denying the other emotions, but they’re seeing that the “basic” seven are apparently hard-wired.

Third — and you don’t actually say this, so I may be wrong in thinking you actually think it — I’m no fan of the idea that “positive” emotions are “bad” and “negative” emotions are “good”, and that we need more of the former and less of the latter. What I believe is that we should educate ourselves as to which emotion is the appropriate response to a stimulus and that we should condition ourselves to respond with them appropriately.

Interesting video. However I’m weary of believing that the only positive basic emotion we have is “happiness”.

I found Anthony Robbins’s description of 10 Action Signals and 10 Gift States in “Awaken The Giant Within” much more precise and useful.

What’s your take on this?

Steve