[evening thoughts]

[the_visitor]

It seems strange to me that there is so much emotion that runs within these winter months. Anger, hatred, denial...all negative emotions humanity seems to hold dear, as if a burning spirit will heat them during the frigid weather. Perhaps it is lucky that the recent parties have not devolved into Carnival-esque revels; I am not sure if your fragile bodies could handle it.

So as we go into a season of new beginnings and life, I ask you a question, community. If you could erase any emotion - negative or positive - what would it be, and why?

Comments

[dekillerqueen]

I imagine erasing any sort of emotion would be quite bad for business.

[the_visitor]

Oh, indeed. But yet they bring such pain, do you not dream of being free of one - or more - of them?

[dekillerqueen]

... Not particularly.

[the_visitor]

How enlightened.

[dekillerqueen]

[Good thing he's lying.

He still wouldn't want it on a worldwide basis, though.]

[mightletyouknowme]

Jealousy. It must be hard not being me but it's not fair to punish me for it.

[the_visitor]

Are you harmed often for your strengths?

[mightletyouknowme]

Yes! All the other girls ignore me just because all the boys are interested in me. Hmph. It's not like it's my fault.

[the_visitor]

And you yourself have never felt jealousy?

[makewayforroze]

There are a lot I wish didn't exist. Hate is the worse, I think.

[the_visitor]

Has it ever harmed you?

[makewayforroze]

I think it's harmed nearly everyone.

[the_visitor]

There are those who say that hatred has its purposes. After all, it hurts others differently.

But it is certainly something best overcome, one would think.

[sandinmyboots]

Hope.

[the_visitor]

Oh. [The Visitor grins. That is an interesting answer.]

Why do you say that?

[sandinmyboots]

It's a false thing! It's a light at the end of the tunnel, except the light is a train heading toward you at high velocity! People don't hurry up and give up like they should because of it! It's not worth keeping around.

[the_visitor]

So you believe that hope is a lie? You are quite correct, in you way.

But humanity creates many lies. Truth, justice, hope. Lies of things that cannot possibly exist. But should enough people believe...well, that is what makes a creature more than a beast, is it not? The capacity to make a lie reality, even when the lie exists in ones mind and the world must be changed to take it into the light.

You speak of perseverance with almost as much animosity as you do of hope. Is that not also a noble quality? To strive against the inevitable, despite inevitable failure?

[heavenlyhome]

Even if I could, I do not believe I would. Each and every emotion has its place; rather, I would cultivate contentment and peace.

[the_visitor]

So rather than lose an emotion, you would instead focus upon ones you view as positive?

[heavenlyhome]

That is correct.

[the_visitor]

What do you do when you see those consumed by negative emotions?

[aragosfav]

All emotions are necessary...both the good and bad.

[the_visitor]

May I ask what has led you to that conclusion?

[aragosfav]

Each emotion helps balance each other out. Too much or too little can cause some interesting consequences.

[the_visitor]

True indeed. Watching those consequences is often quite enjoyable. Perhaps that is why balance is an ideal, and rarely a reality.