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It is easy to conceal an emotion no longer felt, much…

“It is easy to conceal an emotion no longer felt, much harder to conceal an emotion felt at the moment, especially if the feeling is strong. Terror is harder to conceal than worry, just as rage is harder to conceal than annoyance. The stronger the emotion, the more likely it is that some sign of it…” quote by Paul Ekman
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““It is easy to conceal an emotion no longer felt, much harder to conceal an emotion felt at the moment, especially if the feeling is strong. Terror is harder to conceal than worry, just as rage is harder to conceal than annoyance. The stronger the emotion, the more likely it is that some sign of it will leak despite the liar's best attempt to conceal it.””

Paul Ekman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Strong emotions are difficult to hide; weaker ones can be masked more easily, so intense feelings often betray a liar.

In simple terms: Strong feelings leak out.

Key Takeaway

Watch for subtle cues of strong emotions.

Themes

psychology emotion deception communication

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

observational insightful

When to use this quote

  • interviews
  • courtroom testimony
  • personal relationships
  • negotiations

Key Concepts

emotional intensity nonverbal signals lie detection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you tell if someone is truly feeling an emotion?
  • What cues reveal hidden strong emotions?
A Different Perspective

Even strong emotions can be concealed with training; not always obvious.

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