I am among those who are most free from this emotion (sadness); I neither like it nor think well of it, even though the world, by common consent, has decided to honour it with special favour. The force of extreme sadness inevitably stuns the whole of our soul, impeding her freedom of action.
We can be equally stunned when surprised by joy unhoped for. For pleasures to be tasted and then digested they must remain moderate.
Violent emotions like these have little hold on me. By nature my sense of feeling has a hard skin, which I daily toughen and thicken by arguments.
Montaigne observes how succumbing to extreme emotions (of joy, sorrow etc.) is often detrimental. We may justify wallowing in great sorrow by associating it with wisdom, conscience etc., but it can be harmful. We are immobilised by extreme love and lust, or indulge in regrettable acts. People have dropped dead upon experiencing great joy.
How can we moderate our emotions? Are we aware of ourselves and our reactions? Can a little pause and ponder, now and then, help us be more thoughtful, less impulsive?
