Emotions: Function and Motivation

Joy or happiness can motivate us to join in, take part, flourish, share, be a part of, repeat these activities.

Fear can motivate us to get away, hide, flee, run, keep ourselves or others safe. It protects us.

Sadness can motivate us to withdraw, ruminate, cry, heal, express hurt, seek comfort and bond with others.

Anger can motivate us to attack, defend or stand up for ourselves, identify boundary violation, identify there is a threat to our self or our loved ones or something we value.

Guilt can motivate us to repair what we have done and informs us that we have violated our morals or values.

Shame can motivate us to hide away, to keep things secret, to remember our fallibility and humility, to keep us “right sized”.

Disgust can motivate us to withdraw, keep a distance, get clean or clean our environment to ensure we stay healthy.

Compassion, empathy, or sympathy can motivate us to offer comfort, be with others, relate to one another and form strong bonds.

Confusion (Cognitive with physical sensations) can motivate us to get curious, learn, discover, grow.

Affection (behavioural with physical sensations) can motivate us to give love, get close to specific people who were feel safe with, and want to spend more time with.

Fact. Truth. Belief. They are related but distinct. Here’s a clear explanation showing how they differ and interact:

1. Fact

Definition:
A fact is something that is objectively real and can be proven to be true. It exists independently of what anyone thinks or believes.

Example:

It is a fact that Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere.

Key Points:

Facts don’t change based on opinion.
They can be verified with evidence (e.g. scientific data, observation, reliable records).
Facts are the foundation upon which truth claims and beliefs can be tested.

2. Truth

Definition:
Truth is a quality of a statement or belief that accurately reflects reality or fact.

Example:

“Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere” is a true statement because it corresponds with the fact.

Key Points:

Truth depends on alignment with facts.
Truth is often expressed in language or claims (“That’s true”, “That’s not true”).
Something can be true even if no one believes it (e.g. the Earth orbited the Sun even when most people thought otherwise).

3. Belief

Definition:
A belief is something a person thinks or accepts as true, whether or not it actually is.

Example:

Someone might believe that kangaroos can be kept as pets in all Australian states — but that belief isn’t necessarily true or factual.

Key Points:

Beliefs are subjective — they vary between individuals and cultures.
A belief can be true or false, depending on whether it aligns with facts.
People often act based on their beliefs, regardless of whether they are accurate.

How They Interact

A belief can be true or false:
→ If your belief aligns with fact, it’s true.
→ If not, it’s false — even if sincerely held.
Truth depends on fact:
→ A statement is true if it correctly describes a fact.
Facts stand alone:
→ They are not changed by belief or opinion.