The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals and the Evolution of Mind – Early Writings of Charles Darwin" (1980). Development of the Text 1866 - 1872: Very little of Darwin's turmoil surfaced in "On the Origin of Species" in 1859, although Chapter 7 contains a mildly expressed argument on instinctive behaviour. In the public management of his evolutionary theory, Darwin understood that its relevance to human emotional life could draw a hostile response. Nevertheless, while preparing the text of "The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication" in 1866, Darwin took the decision to publish a book on "human" ancestry, sexual selection and emotional life. After his
The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals induce directly opposing movements. Finally, he discusses a "direct action of the nervous system", in which an overflow of emotion is widely discharged, producing more generally expressed emotions. This is followed by a section (three more chapters) on modes of emotional expression peculiar to particular species, including man. He then moves on to the main argument with his characteristic approach of astonishingly widespread and detailed observations. Chapter 7 discusses "low spirits", including anxiety, grief, dejection and despair; and the contrasting Chapter 8 "high spirits" with joy, love, tender feelings and devotion. Subsequent chapters include considerations of "reflection and meditation" (associated