Emotions: what feelings do we know?

by Editor Miro Susta
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 5th of September 2025

'I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, enjoy them, and control them.'
This is a quote from Oscar Wilde, an Irish dramatist, prose writer, poet and essayist.

We all experience emotions, but sometimes we don't realise it, or we can't identify what we're feeling. Many philosophers, psychologists and doctors have developed theories on how to identify and categorise emotions. Thanks to them, we now understand how emotions arise.

‘mais où est-il? le soleil?’ by hilde van hove

Many animals and even birds, not to mention humans, experience emotions. Often, humans are unaware of this, or are unable to accurately identify what they are feeling. This expresses itself differently in other living beings.

‘The Sea Lions' Touching Moments’ by Krystina Wisniowska

According to psychologists and natural scientists, emotions have existed since the dawn of humanity. However, some emotions only developed later. It is important to note, however, that emotions are not feelings. Modern psychology divides emotions according to stimulus and origin.

‘Street food stall Kolkata’ by Subhajit Das

Emotions are reactions to situations or stimuli that hold a particular significance for the individual. They arise from the action of chemicals produced by the brain in certain situations.

Unlike emotions, feelings are shaped by thoughts about those emotions. Feelings are a way of explaining the emotions experienced.

‘The untold and unnoticed Burden’ by Raghuvamsh Chavali

Although emotions cannot easily be controlled or suppressed, they can be transferred to other living beings, even if they have not experienced the situation themselves. This phenomenon is caused by emotional intimacy, which enables people to empathise with others' feelings.

‘Take care’ by Stanislav Hricko

This complex psychological phenomenon can have positive or negative effects. It manifests itself not only through physiological reactions, such as an accelerated heartbeat, but also through behavioural reactions, such as facial expressions, gestures and changes in tone of voice.

‘Purple rain’ by Samanta Krivec

There are many different emotions in the world, and everyone experiences a different range of emotions throughout their life. This is why it is difficult, even for psychologists, to define emotions precisely. However, after extensive research, scientists have identified five basic emotions from which all other emotions subsequently derive.

‘Emotions’ by Ali Khataw

The most well-known theory identified the following primary emotions, which are related not only to humans, but also to the instincts of animals and birds, with various degrees of intensity: Joy, grief, fear, anger and surprise

JOY
Joy and happiness are important emotions in the lives of all living creatures. It is associated with a sense of well-being and can be defined as inner contentment and peace.

‘Happiness’ by Fahmi Bhs

In human life, joy can be evoked by memories, experiences or success. This positive emotion motivates us and helps us to overcome difficult situations.

‘Happiness in Simple Life’ by Ario Wibisono

Depending on its intensity, joy can manifest as a smile, laughter, a cry of joy or an action. Joy is an important emotion for humans, animals and birds.

‘Peaceful’ by Fahmi Bhs

‘Loving Mom’ by DonnaHom

GRIEF
Grief and sadness are basic human and animal emotions. It can be triggered by the loss of a loved one, failure or disappointment, for example.

‘share sorrow’ by Gilcan Mete

Grief is a natural part of life for humans and animals, who can experience this basic emotion to varying degrees of intensity, ranging from mild discomfort to devastating pain.

......... by Robert

Grief can manifest itself differently in everyone. Common symptoms include crying, speaking in a sad tone, preferring to be alone, and changes in sleep and eating habits.

‘The Circle of Life!’ by Ali Khataw

‘grief’ by enginbasa

‘Friends’ by Greg Barsh

FEAR
Fear is an important emotion for humans, animals and birds, designed to protect them from danger. It alerts them to danger and encourages them to resolve the situation. While it is therefore a very important emotion, constantly experiencing fear can also lead to serious physical and mental health issues.

‘FeAr’ by GianStefano Fontana Vaprio

Fear can manifest as shortness of breath, a racing heart, caution, anxiety, changes in eating habits, sweating, trembling and crying. Experiencing such symptoms constantly significantly reduces quality of life.

‘Chemical Romance’ by Yvette Depaepe

‘Golden eagle and Red fox’ by Yves Adams

ANGER

Anger can be expressed through facial expressions, voice and sounds, or even body language indicating preparation for a fight. Anger can motivate individuals to make changes in their lives. It is important for people to find healthy ways to express anger, to prevent it from causing harm to themselves or others.

‘Mihaesti village’ by Julien Oncete

‘Shoebill’ by Jealousy

SURPRISE
Surprise is a basic emotion that is short-lived and caused by experiencing an unexpected situation. Unlike other emotions, surprise can be either positive or negative. It can manifest as an increase in adrenaline and other stress hormones.

‘Surprise’ by RAVI

Animals may use surprise as a defence mechanism against predators; however, predators may also exploit surprise to their advantage.

Secondary emotions -hope, pride, excitement, uncertainty, panic, resentment, hatred, envy, jealousy, nervousness, shame, neglect, depression, guilt, isolation, shock, dismay, confusion, helplessness- are usually experienced after the primary emotion has already been sensed. They are reactions to the primary emotions and are often routine or learned responses.

‘Photographer Of The Year’ by Ian Munro

‘Confusing’ by Ella Waldman

‘mandria ei (her pride)’ by Vlad Dumitrescu

Finally, here are a few selected quotes on the topic of emotions.

"Jealousy, like grief, is one of the emotions that can be described as normal."
Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), Austrian physician, psychoanalyst, and psychologist

‘Jealousy’ by Antonín Dudek

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."
Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890–1937), American author.

‘The World in Fear’ by Peter Davidson

"I don't think there is any greater excitement than that which an innovator experiences when he feels within himself some creation of the mind that will lead to success... Thanks to these emotions, a man forgets about food, sleep, friends, love, everything."
Nikola Tesla (1856–1943), inventor, physicist, and electrical engineer.