Does Objectivism encourage emotional repression?
Objectivism does state that emotions are not tools of cognition, but it does not encourage emotional repression. Humans are not Vulcans. We can not properly live life without feelings. In fact, one’s emotional responses to a context are extremely important. Emotions are lightning quick assessments carried out by the subconscious, and these assessments are based on the premises that the subconscious has integrated. These assessments can provide tremendously useful data with regard to one’s context. Additionally, Objectivists consider their positive emotional states rewards for their moral actions. Happiness, for example, is the proper end of an individual’s existence. One cannot be emotionally repressed and properly achieve this end. What is important to remember is that when one experiences a certain emotion, and it is an unexpected or troubling reaction, one simply cannot ignore it and continue on in spite of it. Objectivism holds that the mind and body should be in sync with one anot
