D. H. Lawrence: 'Sentimentalism is the working off on yourself of feelings you haven't really got.'

Sentimentalism is the working off on yourself of feelings you haven't really got.

In his profound exploration of human emotions, writer D. H. Lawrence once stated, "Sentimentalism is the working off on yourself of feelings you haven't really got." This quote encapsulates an important facet of sentimentalism, a term commonly associated with an excessive display of emotions. In a straightforward manner, Lawrence suggests that sentimentalism is a mere facade, a way for individuals to outwardly express emotions they do not truly possess. However, to delve deeper into this thought-provoking concept, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept - existentialism. By comparing and contrasting sentimentalism and existentialism, we can unveil fascinating insights into the human condition and the authenticity of our emotions.At its core, the quote by Lawrence suggests that sentimentalism is insincere, a mechanism to project emotions that individuals do not genuinely experience. It implies that people often engage in sentimental acts to elicit specific responses from themselves or others, rather than truly experiencing and expressing their authentic emotions. This notion highlights a significant discourse in understanding human behavior and raises questions about the sincerity and genuineness of our emotions.To shed further light on this subject, let us explore the contrasting philosophical concept of existentialism. This philosophical school of thought posits that individuals are responsible for creating their own sense of meaning and purpose in life. Central to existentialism is the idea that authenticity and personal responsibility are paramount for genuine self-expression and fulfillment. Existentialism urges individuals to examine their emotions, intentions, and actions critically, with an emphasis on embracing personal agency and accountability.By juxtaposing sentimentalism and existentialism, we can discern intriguing parallels and discrepancies. While sentimentalism encourages the outward display of emotions that might not truly exist within the individual, existentialism insists upon a deep and honest introspection into our emotional landscape. According to existentialism, individuals should continually question and reflect upon their emotions, scrutinizing whether they arise from genuine experiences or are mere facades created to fulfill societal expectations.The connection between sentimentalism and existentialism raises fundamental questions about the authenticity of our emotions. Are sentimental acts an expression of our true feelings, or a way to conform to societal norms? Are we engaged in sentimentalism as a way to convince ourselves of our emotions, or are we genuinely experiencing them? The dichotomy presented by these two concepts urges us to examine the intentions behind our emotional displays and confront the possibility that sentimentalism may indeed be a camouflage for the absence of genuine feelings.Ultimately, D. H. Lawrence's quote provokes us to contemplate the depths of our emotional world. It challenges us to question the authenticity of our sentimentality and to embark on an existential journey of self-exploration. By examining the intentions and sincerity behind our emotional displays, we can strive to live more authentically and genuinely in alignment with our true selves. In doing so, we may discover a profound richness of emotions that surpass the superficiality of sentimentalism, allowing us to connect deeply with ourselves and others in a more meaningful way.