“ There is thus an organic affinity between joyousness and tenderness, and their companionship in the saintly life need in no way occasion surprise. ”
William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902). copy citation
| Author | William James |
|---|---|
| Source | The Varieties of Religious Experience |
| Topic | joy tenderness affinity |
| Date | 1902 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/621/621-h/621-h.html |
Context
“162 And later, Dr. Dumas says of all such joyous conditions that «unselfish sentiments and tender emotions are the only affective states to be found in them. The subject's mind is closed against envy, hatred, and vindictiveness, and wholly transformed into benevolence, indulgence, and mercy.» 163
There is thus an organic affinity between joyousness and tenderness, and their companionship in the saintly life need in no way occasion surprise. Along with the happiness, this increase of tenderness is often noted in narratives of conversion. «I began to work for others»;—«I had more tender feeling for my family and friends»;—«I spoke at once to a person with whom I had been angry»;—«I felt for every one, and loved my friends better»;—«I felt every one to be my friend»;—these are so many expressions from the records collected by Professor Starbuck.164” source
There is thus an organic affinity between joyousness and tenderness, and their companionship in the saintly life need in no way occasion surprise. Along with the happiness, this increase of tenderness is often noted in narratives of conversion. «I began to work for others»;—«I had more tender feeling for my family and friends»;—«I spoke at once to a person with whom I had been angry»;—«I felt for every one, and loved my friends better»;—«I felt every one to be my friend»;—these are so many expressions from the records collected by Professor Starbuck.164” source
Meaning and analysis
