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Why We ‘Feel’ with Our Hearts: The Science and Symbolism Behind a Cultural Myth
How an Ancient Misconception Became the Language of Love
Why do we talk about “broken hearts” when our brains do all the emotional heavy lifting? Despite scientific advancements that place emotions firmly in the brain’s domain, the heart remains our go-to symbol for love, pain, and passion. This article dives deep into this paradox, unraveling the rich history, cultural significance, and psychological reasoning behind why we feel with our hearts.
The Historical Roots: How Ancient Cultures Shaped Our Perception
To understand why we associate the heart with emotions, we must travel back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, for instance, believed that the heart was the seat of the soul. They meticulously preserved it in their burial rituals, convinced it was essential for the afterlife. The brain, on the other hand, was considered less important and often discarded during mummification.
The Greeks, too, played a significant role in shaping this belief. Aristotle, one of history’s most influential thinkers, argued that the heart was the center of sensation, emotion, and thought. He viewed the brain as a secondary organ, merely a cooling device for the…
