Emotion clear-cuts the natural diversity of original, unfiltered perception. Certainly, this is an innate survival adaptation. Any conscious being would require a way to filter out extraneous sensory input to avoid sensory overload and ensuing chaos. Emotion helps perception focus on that which has an immediate bearing on survival.
Now, consider the added filtering effect that words have on perception, which further narrows discernment. For instance, merely thinking that a tree is a tree filters all unique living individual trees down to a preconceived category. This perceptual pigeonholing stifles awareness of what chapter 14 hints to be dimly visible, it cannot be named. Thus, not only can’t we see the forest, we don’t even perceive the trees in their own right.
Nevertheless, we do get treasures to cherish, e.g., beliefs, music, science, literature, education… the list goes on. Our words, and the knowledge we weave with them, swaddle us in cognitive and emotional security. Importantly, emotion is the basis—the wellspring—of words and names, and consequently of the thoughts these form. Thoughts then feedback to drive and skew emotions… it’s a vicious circle. Thus, it is wise to be cautious about what you think is real, for that will determine your emotionality and stress level. As chapter 32 cautions, Only when it is cut are there names. As soon as there are names one ought to know that it is time to stop.
Leave a Reply