The Western civilization appears to have a schizophrenic relationship with feelings. First you are told that feelings are weak or unmanly. Then, when you no longer have feelings as a result of following such instructions, you are accused of being a sociopath. We see some regarding feelings as an inferior function. We see others claiming that there are some people who have no feelings at all, and that they become all kinds of crooks. The civilization needs to make up its mind on the issue. Are feelings good? Are feelings bad? Or, as I believe, capable of either of the above or a mix? I see no reason at all why any function would be superior or inferior. Nor do I see any reason at all to believe that any function could be good or bad. Anything human can be good, bad or a mix. It makes no sense to either extol or demonize feelings. They can go in any number of ways. This conclusion is the case in both creationist and evolutionist models. If we have been created then everything in us is there for a reason. If we have evolved then everything in us has evolved for the benefit of the species. In either case, there is no better or worse function. All are there for a reason. Of course, if our nature has been corrupted by original sin, then that does not begin to be limited to feelings. If that is the case then everything in people is bad. This is also the case with reason, with status, with economics, and everything else that is human. In either case we see equality – either in mutual virtue or in mutual sin. Attacking people for having feelings and then, once they conform to that, attacking them for not having feelings, is not an honest course of action. There will always be beliefs that would cater to this and any number of other forms of wrong. The solution is to see through all such attitudes, recognizing their dishonesty, and then living in situations that are free of such things.
It's great to have feelings but not to be ruled by them. We all fall victim to being ruled by our feelings when it comes to our children and loved ones .... well some of us do anyway. It's also not wise to always make all your decisions void of feelings (or rather emotions) especially when it involves someone else and you need to take the consequences of your decision/actions on their emotions into account. I think emotions are honest, I would never tell another person to suppress it, I may however tell them to reconsider their choices when they are not thinking clearly due to their emotions. Emotions can also act as a sensor for our wellbeing. I often tell my kids to trust their intuition, if you feel upset by something someone did or say then there is a possibility you are right. No need to be paranoid or go crazy over it, just think about it for a while and understand that it is possible they did just slight or offend you. Emotions can also give you perspective, help you understand where someone else is coming from.
Feelies are feelies. As humans, we are all ENTITLED to them. Now, when said feelies cause individual humans to cause, or wish harm to other humans, THEN they become the seeds of Psychosis...
