Emotion?

Hello CognitiveDissonance,

Welcome to the Forum. Another book to consider is Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman - he refers to LeDoux's research (and I notice LeDoux mentions this book in the notes on the flap of Emotional Brain!).

The book on flow you refer to might be Finding Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Which might explain why you don't remember the author!! He says it's pronounced 'chick-SENT-me-high'! It's a while since I read it,.... ah just looked at the book, I see he's also written a book called 'Flow' and one called 'Creativity'. So you're probably thinking about the former, which I haven't read.

You should try looking at Bipolar illness. As a condition where the sufferer experiences periods where they cannot feel emotions (depression) and periods where their emotions are intense/euphoric/elated (mania), it may give you a new avenue to explore. Not much is known about the effect of Boplar disorders on the brain in a neurological context, but you should check out "An unquiet mind" by Kay Redfield Jamieson. Aside from being the foremost authority on Bipolar disorders, she is also Bipolar herself. The book is her autobiographical account of what it is like to be on an emotional rollercoaster. While its a hugely interesting book to read, it may not be exactly what youare looking for, but it WILL give you lots of ideas. Plus.... its just a really good enjoyable read.

Hi keith

Joseph LeDoux's book is a goodie but the area is moving so fast that its becoming out of date though still useful.

You might have a go at Damasio's "the feeling of what happens" which examines neuroscience, consciousness, emotion and feeling. Its tough science but also strangely poetic: Damasio is a major thinker in this area.

Paul Myszor