Week 4- Science of Happiness Reflection

 I was intrigued by much of the new information I learned through my coursework this week. I knew going into the week that forgiveness was a massive necessity to human social connection, but I was unaware of many of the mental and physical benefits reconciliation has on the body and mind. In addition, I was fascinated by the section about crafting apologies, and how apologizing in the correct way is such a crucial step in forgiveness. This new information has greatly extended my learning after previously learning about the importance of social connection and how quickly relationships can help or hinder an individual’s happiness. Most social connections would be unstable or even impossible without forgiveness and cooperation and this new learning has certainly helped connect much of my previous understanding with evolutionary and scientific pattens.  

This week I was especially interested in extreme examples of forgiveness as much of the guest speakers incorporated into the course learning discussed specific examples of extreme reconciliation. I have a few questions regarding what the primary or the first push is in an individual's mind is to seek forgiveness. After the anger resides in a situation, what is it that makes a person switch the opposing emotion and want to reconcile? I understand that humans are naturally inclined to seek forgiveness due to neurological workings, but what makes brain activity so powerful in extreme cases? I would be interested in looking further into these questions.