Paul Ekman: Outsmart Evolution and Master Your Emotions | Big Think

Summary

In this enlightening transcript, the speaker discusses the unexpected findings in research, particularly the discovery that facial expressions can trigger corresponding emotions. The study, which made headlines, suggests that making certain facial movements can activate the physiological response of an emotion, even self-generating it. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's emotions as they arise, using exercises to heighten this awareness. The ultimate goal is to improve emotional life by consciously recognizing emotions, which can help in making more thoughtful decisions in response to situations.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Research often leads to unexpected discoveries, which can be more exciting than confirming pre-existing beliefs.
• 😲 The facial expression of emotions can trigger the actual physiological experience of those emotions.
• 🌟 A study published over 20 years ago made the front page of The New York Times for its surprising findings on facial expressions and emotions.
• 😐 The face is not just a display system; it can actively generate emotions through specific muscle movements.
• 😌 Some emotions are more challenging to self-generate through facial expressions, such as the enjoyment that requires activation of muscles around the eyes.
• 🧠 Only a small percentage of people can naturally activate the specific muscles needed to self-generate enjoyment.
• 📚 The discovery of self-generating emotions is being used to teach people to become more aware of their feelings as they occur.
• 🏃 Emotions evolved to help us make quick, complex decisions without conscious thought, especially in life-threatening situations.
• 🤔 Sometimes emotions can be inappropriate for the situation or misunderstood, leading to impulsive reactions.
• 🧘‍♀️ Exercises involving facial muscle movements and focusing on sensations can increase emotional awareness and help manage emotional responses more effectively.
• 🌱 Improving emotional life involves introducing conscious awareness into the emotional process, which requires practice and self-motivation.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the research discussed in the transcript?

The main theme of the research is the discovery of how facial expressions can influence one's emotional experience, and the potential for self-generating emotions through facial movements.

What significant discovery was made regarding universal facial expressions?

The significant discovery was that putting on a universal facial expression can activate the physiology of the corresponding emotion, meaning the face is not just a display system but can also generate the emotion itself.

Why did the research findings make the front page of The New York Times?

The research findings made the front page of The New York Times because they were unexpected and groundbreaking, showing that facial expressions can trigger actual emotional experiences.

What is the most challenging facial expression to self-generate according to the transcript?

The most challenging facial expression to self-generate is the one associated with enjoyment, as it requires the activation of muscles around the eyes, which only about 10 percent of people can do.

What is the belief of the researcher regarding the evolution of emotions?

The researcher believes that emotions evolved as a rapid response system to deal with immediate threats, like a saber-toothed tiger, without the need for conscious thought.

How does the researcher suggest using the discovery of self-generated emotions?

The researcher suggests using the discovery to teach people to become more aware of their emotions as they arise, allowing them to better understand and manage their emotional responses.

What is the role of conscious awareness in emotional life according to the transcript?

Conscious awareness plays a role in improving emotional life by allowing individuals to recognize and respond to their emotions more thoughtfully and appropriately.

Why is it difficult for people to be consciously aware of their emotions as they feel them?

It is difficult because emotions evolved as an automatic response system to immediate threats, not designed for conscious reflection, and thus becoming aware requires deliberate practice.

What exercises are being given to people to enhance their emotional awareness?

People are given exercises that involve moving their facial muscles and concentrating on the sensations they experience, to increase their awareness of emotions as they occur.

How does the researcher think emotional awareness can help in daily life situations?

The researcher believes that emotional awareness can help individuals make more considered and thoughtful decisions in response to situations, rather than reacting impulsively based on unexamined emotions.

What does the researcher suggest is necessary for improving one's emotional life?

The researcher suggests that introducing conscious awareness into the emotional process, through practice and self-reflection, is necessary for improving one's emotional life.