How Emotions Are Made

by Lisa Feldman Barrett
How Emotions Are Made cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 4136
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781509837496
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2017-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'How Emotions are Made,' Lisa Feldman Barrett presents a groundbreaking perspective on emotions, arguing that they are not pre-programmed responses but rather psychological experiences we each construct. She draws on the latest scientific evidence to challenge the long-held belief that emotions originate from specific brain regions and are triggered by external events. This new understanding has profound implications for various fields, including law, medicine, and mental health, and Barrett emphasizes the importance of revising our conception of emotions for personal and societal well-being. Barrett's work not only revises our understanding of emotions but also explores how this new perspective can lead to better decision-making and improved mental health. By demonstrating that emotions are not fixed but are influenced by our unique experiences and environments, she offers a fresh lens through which to view human behavior and interaction.

Reviews
BlueSci · Sophie Smith · 2024-02-20
insightful 4.25

The book offers a fresh perspective on emotions, backed by extensive research. The reviewer finds it insightful but notes that it can be dense at times.

Sophie Smith reviews Lisa Feldman Barrett's book, highlighting its fresh perspective on emotions and the extensive research that supports it. She finds the book insightful and thought-provoking, particularly in how it challenges traditional views. However, she also notes that the book can be quite dense, especially when delving into the scientific details. Overall, she recommends it to readers who are passionate about understanding the complexities of human emotions and are willing to invest the time to grasp the detailed explanations.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a fresh perspective on emotions, backed by extensive research.

    It challenges traditional views and provides a thought-provoking read.

    The book can be quite dense, especially when delving into the scientific details.

Kennedy HQ · 2022-12-21
compelling 4.50

The book presents a radical new theory on emotions, arguing that they are constructed by the brain. The reviewer finds the arguments compelling but notes that some parts are quite technical.

This review explores Lisa Feldman Barrett's innovative approach to understanding emotions, which challenges the classical view. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the clear arguments presented, making it a valuable read for those interested in neuroscience. However, they also mention that some sections can be quite technical and might be challenging for readers without a background in the field. Overall, the book is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of human emotions.

Quick quotes

    Barrett's key argument is that the classical view of emotions is incorrect and lacks foundational evidence.

    The book is a valuable read for those interested in neuroscience.

    Some sections can be quite technical and might be challenging for readers without a background in the field.

The Guardian · Oliver Burkeman · 2020-09-25
thought-provoking 4.00

The book challenges traditional views on emotions, arguing that they are constructed by the brain rather than hardwired. The reviewer appreciates the scientific rigor and the personal anecdotes that make the complex topic accessible.

In this review, the author delves into Lisa Feldman Barrett's groundbreaking work on emotions, highlighting her controversial yet compelling arguments. The reviewer particularly enjoys how Barrett uses personal stories, like her own dating experience, to illustrate complex scientific concepts. They also appreciate the book's challenge to conventional wisdom, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in psychology and neuroscience. However, the reviewer notes that some of the scientific explanations might be dense for casual readers, requiring a bit more effort to fully grasp.

Quick quotes

    Barrett’s book is a bold challenge to conventional wisdom about emotions.

    The personal anecdotes make the complex topic accessible and engaging.

    The scientific explanations are rigorous but might be dense for casual readers.

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