Discussion Einstein and happiness.

[mattwitt]

Supposedly Albert Einstein once said that darkness is just the absence of light.

Can this type of reasoning apply to emotions ?

Is Sadness the absence of Happiness ?

Is Happiness the absence of Sadness ?

 

[samsays89]

I've also heard cold is just the absence of heat.

I think happiness and sadness are too complicated. It's a mix of chemicals, experiences, genetics, stimuli, etc. to be happy or sad. Photons are just photons but happiness can't be narrowed down to a single feeling or chemical because there are so many different types. I could be happy cuddling with my dog but at the same time sad because life sucks?

 

[Virgo]

Supposedly Albert Einstein once said that darkness is just the absence of light.

Can this type of reasoning apply to emotions ?

Is Sadness the absence of Happiness ?

Is Happiness the absence of Sadness ?

No they are separate emotions.

 

[Schopenhauer]

I think sadness is a feeling unto itself. It's something extra, not just the absence of happiness.

By the way, cold is the absence of molecular motion :)

 

[Virgo]

I think sadness is a feeling unto itself. It's something extra, not just the absence of happiness.

By the way, cold is the absence of molecular motion :)

The absence of molecular motion would be absolute zero.

 

[Schopenhauer]

The absence of molecular motion would be absolute zero.

You're correct. I should have said decreased molecular motion.

 

[Virgo]

You're correct. I should have said decreased molecular motion.

Yes.