Lisa Feldman Barret takes us on an adventure to probe three dominant factors, our culture, our brain, and us, colluding to create and emanate emotions. Ensuing her wide knowledge in the field of neuroscience and psychology aided by dedicated scientific research, in "How Emotions Are Made," Barrett walks us through the evolution of our understanding of emotions.

Do we have an inherent system of emotions? Do these emotions surface in a pre-defined manner in response to any stimulus? Or do humans have the ability to influence the development and display of emotions? Daring to question established perspectives and conventional beliefs, she excites us to scout the complexities of the brain and the reality of the world of emotions, and how they are constructed by our minds and influenced by our unique biology, experiences, and cultures. It highlights the fascinating variations in how emotions are perceived and manifested across diverse cultures

This insight will help you to become more aware of your emotions and to question the stories we tell ourselves about them. When we understand that emotions are not fixed, we can navigate our emotional world with more skill. This enhanced self-awareness also improves our relationships with others. Ultimately, embracing Barrett's principles will lead to more fulfilling and harmonious relationships with ourselves and the world around us.

People have been thinking about emotions for thousands of years. Many famous thinkers, including Charles Darwin, the Buddha, Aristotle, and Sigmund Freud, believed that emotions are automatic reactions controlled by specific parts of the brain. This is called the classical view of emotions.

The classical view suggests that emotions are ‘universal’ i.e. every human has the same set of emotions. The idea of essentialism builds upon this, suggesting that emotions have their own "essence” or property (including expression), and because emotions are shared, this essence is found in each of us" This phenomenon is said to be behind why, for example, someone from America would express a particular emotion - let’s say anger - to the same level as someone from India. And why a French child would express sadness similar to a Chinese adult. And so on. What’s more, this is why each of us understands & recognises an emotion when we see it being expressed by others

This theory also says that our brains contain pre-programmed sets of neurons that cause the physical expressions of emotions (like smiling, laughter & crying). Triggers automatically fire off these neurons and their resultant expressions in us. And because emotions are shared, these automated expressions are thought to be the same for everyone, regardless of their individual experiences or cultural background. The death of a close family member will automatically trigger crying, no matter if a person is from Russia or Nigeria.

Joy is a universal emotion with its own set of dedicated neurons. When we experience something pleasurable or receive good news, our "joy neurons" are activated, leading to a sense of happiness, laughter, and a feeling of warmth and contentment.

However, as we explore further, these traditional views will be challenged, offering a fresh perspective that invites us to rethink how emotions truly work.

Barrett, backed by her extensive research, challenges the classical perspective on emotions. This traditional view suggests that each emotion should have a single, distinct facial expression that accurately represents it. However, is this view truly valid when we consider the complexities of human emotions?

Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences. Have you ever noticed that when you're excited, your facial expression doesn't always align with what we typically label as "happiness"? Similarly, when you've experienced loss, your expression might not fit the mould of what we conventionally see as "sadness." The truth is, that emotions are incredibly intricate. For instance, happiness can manifest in various ways, from beaming smiles to subtle contentment. This diversity applies to emotions across the board, whether it's sadness, confusion, gratitude, or awe. Each emotional reaction is a reflection of the unique context in which it arises.

And there’s more! Scientific experiments have cast doubt on the idea of specific brain regions being exclusively tied to particular emotions. Over two decades of research from the Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory revealed that the brain regions previously thought to be dedicated solely to emotions displayed enhanced activity even during non-emotional experiences. This challenges the notion of a unique emotional "fingerprint" in the brain. There’s no unique brain region or pre-programmed set of neurons that’ll fire up when you’re angry. And likewise for all other emotions for that matter.

In light of these eye-opening discoveries, it's evident that emotions are far more intricate and multifaceted than the classical view suggests. There isn't a one-size-fits-all expression for any emotion, and not everyone will necessarily express the same emotion in response to a given stimulus.

Despite these findings, numerous companies and researchers have invested heavily in facial recognition technology based on oversimplified classical views of emotions. They aim to detect emotions like happiness, sadness, or anger through facial expressions associated with these emotions. However, scientific evidence has raised doubts about the accuracy of such systems in detecting specific emotions.

Our emotional experiences are profoundly complex and deeply rooted in our individuality and unique contexts. Emotions cannot be neatly categorised into predefined expressions. Recognising this complexity allows for more empathetic and nuanced approaches to emotions, enabling us to appreciate the genuine richness of what it means to feel.

Barrett strongly argues that our emotions are not predetermined or inherent, but rather, we actively construct them based on our unique life experiences and the context in which we find ourselves. This perspective challenges the traditional notion of fixed and predefined emotions, suggesting that we are continually shaping our emotional responses as we navigate the complexities of life.

For example, when faced with situations that trigger jealousy, our responses can vary along a spectrum of reactions. Each response has its distinct neural patterns and demeanour. The brain selects the most suitable reaction based on the nature of the situation. Sometimes, we may frown or grimace, while in other instances, we may smile or remain silent.

The theory of emotions proposed by Barrett is akin to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. Just as Darwin emphasised the variability of individuals within a population, Barrett believes that emotions are not universally fixed but vary based on our individual experiences and circumstances.

In essence, it is the theory of constructed emotion, which suggests that emotions are not fixed entities but are impulsively and simultaneously created in various regions of the brain. Each emotion is rooted in an individual's unique experiences, and our responses to stimuli are influenced by memories and present sensory reactions.

Imagine a world where sadness is not associated with expressing emotion in a certain way. Instead, it is described as a feeling of exhaustion from being overworked. In this fascinating world, our understanding of emotions is shaped by the ideas and concepts that help us make sense of our surroundings. And these ideas, believe it or not, are influenced by culture.

Now, let's talk about cupcakes and muffins. They may seem pretty similar, made from almost the same ingredients and sharing a similar shape. But guess what? The difference between them is not some magical chemical formula—it is culture! Yep, that is right. In some places, cupcakes are considered a sweet treat for dessert, while in others, they are enjoyed as a delightful breakfast. And it is not just cupcakes and muffins; the impact of culture is everywhere in our lives. Take currency, for example. Does a piece of paper have any inherent value? Not really. It is only through our collective agreement that we assign different colours, sizes, and values to different currencies.

Just like that, cultural notions also define how we define concepts of emotions. We can only experience emotions when we understand the concepts behind them. 

Do you know that Greeks and Romans didn’t have an expression to describe the emotional expression of smiling? It’s not that they didn’t get happy and have fun. It’s just that smiling wasn’t something they used to express happiness. Perhaps it had something to do with teeth that didn’t look so good. Once dental hygiene, medicine and treatment became common in the last few centuries, communities around the world started to use it to describe happiness. So culture often defines emotions & their expression. It is possible many emotions today were not understood or known by our ancestors. And many of their emotional expressions might be extinct today

So, next time you are feeling sad or joyful, remember that it is not merely a personal experience—it is also influenced by the fascinating world of culture and society around you. Embrace the diversity of emotions and their cultural nuances, and you will open up a whole new world of understanding!

From the very moment you enter this world, a whole universe of emotions awaits you. Your parents and society eagerly introduce you to the world of emotions—hunger, anger, excitement, disappointment, and the list goes on. These are all taught to us. We don’t have them built in at birth, nor are they universal. But don't be fooled, babies have feelings too! They may not have words yet, but they are already made up of those wondrous notions called effects.

But the learning does not stop there, it is just the beginning! As you grow, the adults around you become expert emotion teachers. Ever seen a parent asking a crying baby, "Are you angry because you are hungry?" or asking a beaming child "Are you excited because of getting a new toy?" They are like emotion detectives, connecting your tears to pain or anger and your giggles to pure happiness. This link then becomes embedded in the child’s mind - who then starts to associate these expressions with the associated emotions.

But here is the cool part: your brain is super smart. It is fantastic at linking past experiences with present ones, constantly shaping and reshaping your emotional journey. That means with some dedication and conscious effort, you can mature and improve your emotional responses. No need to throw a tantrum in front of your boss like you may have done when you were 3! Perhaps you can get what you want through a calm & composed 1-on-1 discussion with your boss instead. As you gather new experiences, you become an emotional connoisseur. You can tell the difference between sadness and exhaustion, just like a pro! Here's the fascinating aspect: your brain is remarkably adept at connecting past experiences with the present, continually moulding and fine-tuning your emotional responses. As you accumulate new experiences, you evolve into an emotional connoisseur. You not only discern the subtle differences between emotions but also instinctively act, display, and feel these nuances with the finesse of an expert.

Your journey is an awesome treasure chest of experiences that continues to collect and hoard your emotions. Life is a grand emotional masterpiece. So, remember this: every moment you live, every adventure you embark on becomes a seedling that grows into an emotion of your future. Use this to mature and master your emotions.

"How Emotions Are Made," delves into fundamental questions about the nature of emotions.  The conventional belief that emotions are solely controlled by rational thought or governed by automatic responses has long been disproven. Instead, the latest research findings highlight the intricate connection between the mind, emotions, and the brain. 

Emotions are not fixed entities but rather dynamic constructs shaped by cultural influences, brain processes, and interpretations of bodily sensations. This knowledge will empower you to enhance your emotional intelligence and gain mastery over your emotional life. By understanding the art of emotion construction, you will navigate your emotional landscapes more effectively, ultimately leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional control.