Originally Posted by Arty

I seem to remember studies that have suggested that babies appear to be born with some emotions but not others. That might indicate that not all emotions are equal. Some may be pre-programmed, as it were, and some may be learnt. It may be that a learnt emotion is no different to one that we were born with, like computer programs installed at different times, or it may be that different emotions actually have different relationships with the mind.


We can then ask what has an effect on our emotions? What we see, hear etc, particularly when put through the filter of what we already know. Chemicals can effect our emotions. Not just drugs, but even the most harmless food. Sleep can affect our emotions. I would class all of those as external influences. We react to the things that happen to us. If it comes from within it comes from memories of things that have happened to us. People are complex reactive beings, in my view.