The emotions I feel are no more meant to be shown in their unadulterated state than the inner organs by which we live

The emotions I feel are no more meant to be shown in their unadulterated state than the inner organs by which we live

Hannah Arendt, a prominent political theorist and philosopher, believed in the importance of understanding and controlling our emotions in order to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. In her work, she often emphasized the need to think critically and rationally, rather than being driven by our emotions. The quote, “The emotions I feel are no more meant to be shown in their unadulterated state than the inner organs by which we live,” reflects Arendt’s belief that emotions should be kept private and not displayed openly.

Arendt argued that emotions are a private and personal aspect of our inner lives, much like our internal organs. Just as we do not openly display our organs to others, we should also not openly display our emotions. This is because emotions are often irrational and can cloud our judgment, leading us to make decisions that are not in our best interest. By keeping our emotions in check and not allowing them to dictate our actions, we can think more clearly and make better choices.

Arendt’s views on emotions can be seen in her analysis of political events and human behavior. For example, in her book “Eichmann in Jerusalem,” Arendt examined the role of emotions in the actions of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. She argued that Eichmann’s actions were driven by a lack of critical thinking and an inability to empathize with others, rather than by genuine emotions such as hatred or malice. By failing to engage in critical thinking and allowing his emotions to control him, Eichmann committed heinous acts that resulted in the deaths of millions of people.

Overall, Arendt’s quote highlights the importance of self-control and rationality in our lives. By keeping our emotions in check and thinking critically, we can make better decisions and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Emotions are a natural part of being human, but they should not be allowed to dominate our actions or cloud our judgment. Instead, we should strive to understand and control our emotions, much like we do with our inner organs, in order to live a more thoughtful and intentional life.