Two Things
I absolutely agree that almost all utilitarian endeavors need to be logic/reason centered. some are a mix of the two. I watched a vid on the design and creation of exotic hand-made cars. Here emotion and reason work in conjunction with a utilitarian project. The designers' talent is made drawings, etc. of cars that they themselves have emotional feelings about and know others who love exotic cars will have. Then they take those emotionally loaded drawings to the craftsmen who turn those designs into metal objects through logic/reason-driven talents: how mental will respond to certain techniques, etc. which deal with the logic of material physics toward an emotionally loaded material object. That's art.
Most of my original comments were pertaining to the interaction of human beings one to another that requires a balance of emotions and reason/rational. Less developed humans have balance problems in this area. Some people have narrow, utilitarian and, well, conservative minds and behaviors with limited positive emotional action. These folks are what the phrase "uptight" applies to. Most of their emotional responses are to fight something or someone. They are models of what is expressed as one type emotional immaturity. Other people may "feel" things more deeply, meaning their emotions are a heightened part of their being. Many times these types of people need to grow in reason and rational thinking to bring balance. Theirs' is another type of emotional immaturity.
I believe in the ageless spiritual teachings of putting Love, Benevolence, and Egalitarianism as the top priority. It is the ultimate goal. And finding the balance of the emotional/rational, applied to that, perfects that type of existence and state of being. Co-operation, not competition in personal relationships and friendships is what maintains that elevated state of being/consciousness.
Steve Beane
