Sentimentality

Embracing humanism entails seeing the world as it is and as it could be with the application of universal education, peace and rationality. This does not mean that humanism is an emotionless framework for living. However, it does mean that the humanist, understanding the intrinsic interplay between personal physiology and psychology, knows the difference between sentimentality and emotion. 

Sentimentality is unbridled indulgence in unexplored emotion without rational integration into personal consciousness.The emotions which fuel sentimentality often arise from unexplored and misunderstood life experiences. It is quite common for the psychologically unsophisticated person to be sentimental. Clinging to anniversaries, holidays and birthdays brings the sentimental person a sense of permanence and comfort. Repetitively listening to songs associated with life events to evoke the same emotional response is a form of sentimental masturbation for some. It brings temporary relief without addressing the underlying emotional and psychological cause of anxiety or depression. 

Humanism is based in a commitment to rational and responsible thought and action for the sake of progress for mankind and its environment. Rational does not imply cold or unfeeling. Rationality includes the recognition and integration of feelings with intelligence. Feelings can be understood and then applied as motivation for progress. This is hard work, but it is the work of human intelligence for the sake of human progress.

Sentimentality lies at the roots of racism, homophobia, nationalism and greed. In my practice, I have had my battles with sentimentality. As a nurse on the front lines at the height of the HIV's lethality, I was surrounded by those who sentimentalized the death and tragedy of that horrific time. Young people struck down by a torturing disease were the fodder for soppy films and ad campaigns to raise needed funds in the vacuum left by government inaction. Sadly, this was the only route to the conscience of Americans at that time. But, on the ground, the sentimentality was more obstructive than helpful. It actually increased the suffering of those afflicted.

Hopefully, we are emerging from the anti-scientific and hyper-religious times spurred on by conservative politicians during the past thirty years. Sentimentality is the grist of religion and politics. Playing to the unprocessed emotions of the general public raises flags, pays for wars and silences rational dissent. Monarchies survive on sentimentality, as do Popes and ayatollahs. Humanism is one way to identify a personal practice for the betterment of life on this planet. An essential part of that practice is integrating emotion with mind before applying it to action.