The Emotional Language of Tears

This chapter explores the complex phenomenon of emotional crying, examining its significance in human experience and the embarrassment often felt in medical settings. It contrasts human crying with the lack of emotional tears in primates, focusing on the neuroanatomy that enables this uniquely human response. The narrative also delves into the connection between empathy, artistic expression, and the pro-social signals that tears convey, revealing the depths of emotional communication beyond words.