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Full Idea
Every emotion is a strategy, a purposive attempt to structure our world in such a way as to maximise our sense of personal dignity and self-esteem.
Gist of Idea
Emotions are strategies for maximising our sense of dignity and self-esteem
Source
Robert C. Solomon (The Passions [1976], Pref)
Book Ref
Solomon,Robert C.: 'The Passions (1993 ed)' [Hackett 1993], p.-7
A Reaction
This is the main thesis of Solomon's book. There doesn't seem to be much to admire in what he takes to be our chief motivation. I would put a much more social spin on it - that our underlying urge is not self-promotion, but to fit into a community.
Related Idea
Idea 23946 The passions are subjective, concerning what is important to me, rather than facts [Solomon]