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Gabriel Rolón, psychologist: “Pain is stronger than happiness, because the memory of a happy moment and of an absence al

Gabriel Rolón, psychologist: “Pain is stronger than happiness, because the memory of a happy moment and of an absence also marks a lack”

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Sources not specified Context piece
  • Psychologist Gabriel Rolón explains that pain is a more powerful emotion than happiness due to memory.
  • He notes that memories of happy moments, especially when associated with absence, highlight a sense of lack.
  • Rolón emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment to navigate emotional complexities.

Psychologist Gabriel Rolón posits that pain holds a stronger emotional weight than happiness, primarily because of how memory functions. He explained that the recollection of a happy moment, particularly when tied to an absence or loss, paradoxically underscores a feeling of lack. This suggests that our capacity to remember joy can also amplify our awareness of what is missing.

Rolón delved into the complexity of emotional well-being when faced with external pressures. His analysis highlights how past experiences and the way we process them significantly impact our current emotional state. The lingering effect of remembered happiness, especially in the context of loss, can create a profound sense of yearning.

To navigate these emotional complexities, Rolón stressed the importance of inhabiting the 'here and now.' This focus on the present moment is presented as a crucial tool for managing the powerful influence of past joys and sorrows. By grounding oneself in the present, individuals can better cope with the emotional weight that memories carry, fostering a more balanced emotional life.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.