Why did humans gain the ability to have so many different types of emotions?

Here is an interesting discussion of a couple of theories:

With apologies to Charles Darwin, emotions are primeval in origin, coming from our ancestors: the animals. Organic processes in the brain respond initially to 2 emotions: fear and safety...both of which stem from our need to survive.

In order to express an emotion, you first must experience that emotion. When a baby is born, (s)he cries...no longer experiencing the safety of the womb, the child now experiences fear for it's survival, and expresses same through the loud shrieks. When the baby is then cuddled, it feels safe again.



As the child is exposed to love and countless other emotions ,it gradually expresses these emotions to others. A child who does not experience love will never express love.

For more, read Darwin. These are my simple thoughts on this complex subject.

[This message was edited by gerry on 07-03-03 at 10:02 AM.]

There was another address in front of your link's methos, I deleted it though and got there.

"A child who does not experience love will never express love." I agree with that. It doesn't mean he'll become hateful though. I think it also depends on the environment. If someone has angry parents but sees a perfect family, they might like the perfect family and want it themselves.

Thanks guys.

weird, it worked before.
here