The quote “We scarcely wish to analyse what we feel to be so large and deeply human” speaks to the instinctive resistance people often have toward dissecting emotions and experiences that are profound and universal. Such feelings—like love, grief, joy, or existential contemplation—are often overwhelming in their depth and complexity. Instead of breaking them down into smaller parts for analysis, individuals might prefer to simply experience these emotions in their entirety.
At its core, this idea highlights a fundamental aspect of being human: our capacity for deep emotional experiences that transcend rational understanding. Sometimes, attempting to analyze these feelings can diminish their richness or lead us away from genuine experience. For example, trying too hard to rationalize why we love someone may strip away the beauty of simply feeling that love.
In today’s world, where analytical thinking is highly valued—especially in fields like science and technology—we might overlook the importance of embracing emotional experiences as they are. The rise of mental health awareness has encouraged many people to explore their emotions more openly rather than dismissing or overanalyzing them. This can lead to healthier relationships with ourselves and others by fostering acceptance rather than judgment.
In personal development contexts, applying this concept means prioritizing emotional intelligence alongside analytical skills. It involves recognizing that some aspects of our lives cannot be fully understood through logic alone; instead, they must be felt and experienced fully without dissection. Practices like mindfulness encourage individuals to sit with their emotions without judgment or analysis—accepting them as part of the human experience.
This perspective invites us not just to seek understanding but also connection—to ourselves and those around us—with empathy at its center. In a world filled with distractions and pressures toward productivity, remembering the value in simply experiencing life’s deeper moments can foster resilience and inner peace on both personal levels and within communities at large.
