Summary

This chapter begins with a long-winded and uninterrupted statement by Archbishop Tutu in which he recalls his involvement on the Truth and Reconciliation Council convened to rebuild South African politics after apartheid. His experiences on this council and throughout his life have taught him that expressing sadness can alleviate the long-term damaging effects of pain. On the contrary, holding down emotions of sadness and grief, he warns, “is not wise” (109).

Abrams summarizes the Archbishop’s statement by claiming “sadness is seemingly the most direct challenge to joy, but…it often leads us most directly to empathy and compassion” (110). Like anger, too much sadness is categorized as depression and it is harmful to overall well-being. Bouts of sadness, however, are linked to increased rates of generosity and empathy, according to a psychological study cited by...