The Misplaced Hierarchy: Emotion vs. Logic in Society

In our society, there’s a pervasive assumption that logic is superior to emotion, as in the expression, “cooler heads prevail.” This hierarchy is flawed, particularly in how it undervalues the emotional, individualistic, and creative aspects of human nature.

Logic is essential for collaboration. The more people involved, the more we suppress individuality to maintain cohesion. This is why corporate jobs, which prioritize teamwork, often feel alienating. Logic’s role in teamwork has led to a societal bias where collaboration is seen as superior to individual pursuits, and where emotional expression is often suppressed.

Artists, on the other hand, are expected to be emotional. Many even use drugs to suppress their logical side, allowing for uninhibited creative expression. A successful piece of art reveals the artist’s individuality, unlike a successful accounting report, which should reveal nothing of the accountant’s subjectivity. Society’s preference for logic and collaboration over emotion and individuality diminishes the value of artistic expression, despite its essential role in culture.

This bias manifests in various ways, such as the emphasis on “leadership” in elite college admissions, where teamwork is prized over individual achievement. The “lone wolf” is undervalued, even though many great accomplishments come from introspection rather than collaboration.

Being emotional is not a defense mechanism; it’s a way to remove barriers and understand oneself better. In contrast, the impulse to calm someone down when they’re upset is a defense mechanism—it’s an attempt to protect ourselves from the discomfort of empathy. When we see someone in distress, we reflexively feel their pain, which is unpleasant. Thus, calming them down is more about shielding ourselves than helping them. This is why nobody tries to calm you down when you are overjoyed, jumping up and down from hearing great news.

There are times when calmness and logic are necessary, such as in emergencies where coordinated action is required. However, society’s blanket assumption that logic and calmness are always superior lacks basis. If there’s no immediate need for teamwork, why should we suppress our emotions? What harm is there in letting someone cry or express anger if no one is in physical danger?

Emotional people may struggle with teamwork, but they often form deeper, more meaningful relationships. Good teamwork often requires self-suppression, which can hinder the development of genuine connections. Being good at collaboration doesn’t necessarily mean one is good at building friendships; in fact, it can be the opposite. Deep relationships require vulnerability and emotional expression, qualities that are often stifled in a team-oriented environment.

In a society that often prioritizes logic and collaboration over emotion and individuality, it’s crucial to recognize the value of both ends of the spectrum. Emotional expression is not a weakness, but a vital aspect of human experience that fosters deeper connections and personal understanding. While logic and teamwork have their place, especially in situations that require coordination, they should not overshadow the importance of emotional authenticity and individual creativity. By challenging the pervasive bias that elevates logic over emotion, we can create a more balanced and humane society—one that values both the accountant and the artist, both the team player and the lone wolf.