Edward Gibbon, author of famous books about the Roman Empire, described how a historian needs to ask not only what “were the first, but what were the secondary causes” of events.
Gibbon’s observation is a helpful way to approach and to better understand emotions and relationships.
Meaning, we might conclude someone’s anger – for example – is the result of their fear. This could be thought of as a first cause. But to truly understand what is truly going on, we might then ask, but what is the second cause? Why is this person afraid?
Exploring a second cause helps to access and to better understand the reasons and motivations behind events.
And of course, exploring second causes doesn’t only apply to others, but to our own emotions and relationships.
——
If you have been forwarded this email and like to join a community of people pondering how to feel better you can subscribe and receive a daily email here. If you would like to get in touch please email us at info@on-emotions.com.
On Emotions 