Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions, developed by psychologist Robert Plutchik in 1980, is a visual representation of the complex interplay between various basic emotions. It is often depicted as a circle divided into eight primary emotions, each positioned opposite its polar opposite. The model suggests that these primary emotions can combine in varying degrees to form secondary and tertiary emotions.
Here are the eight primary emotions on Plutchik's Wheel:
1. Joy (Opposite: Sadness): This emotion represents happiness, contentment, and pleasure. Its opposite, sadness, is characterized by unhappiness and sorrow.
In fields of gold, where laughter gleams,
Joy dances wild, in radiant beams.
A symphony of hearts, a chorus bright,
In every soul, a brilliant light.
It paints the world in hues so bold,
A tapestry of stories told.
In every smile, in every face,
Joy finds its home, a boundless space.
It whispers through the morning air,
A melody beyond compare.
It weaves through dreams in soft embrace,
A tender kiss, a warm embrace.
In blooming flowers, in songs of birds,
In whispered secrets, in hopeful words.
It sparkles in a child's bright eyes,
A world of wonder, a sweet surprise.
Through trials faced, through storms endured,
Joy stands steadfast, of this be assured.
It blooms in hearts that dare to see,
The beauty in adversity.
So let us cherish, let us hold,
This precious treasure, more than gold.
For in our hearts, it will reside,
A constant source, an endless tide.
2. Trust (Opposite: Disgust): Trust encompasses feelings of acceptance, openness, and security, while disgust is associated with aversion and repulsion.
In realms of bonds, where hearts entwine,
A cornerstone, a gem divine.
Trust weaves a tapestry so fine,
A beacon strong in life's design.
It starts as fragile as a thread,
A tender shoot, a path unspread.
Yet as it grows, it paints the way,
Guiding us through night and day.
In whispered secrets, shared with care,
In open hearts, a love laid bare,
Trust blooms like flowers in the spring,
A fragrant promise, blossoming.
Through trials faced, and storms that rage,
It stands as shelter, strong and sage.
A rock that anchors, firm and true,
In every moment, old and new.
It's earned through time, through word, through deed,
A fragile plant that we must feed.
With honesty and kindness sown,
Its roots grow deep, its strength is known.
So let us cherish, guard it well,
For trust's a gift, a magic spell.
It binds us close, through thick and thin,
A precious treasure held within.
3. Fear (Opposite: Anger): Fear is the emotion linked with anxiety, apprehension, and unease. Anger, on the other hand, involves feelings of frustration, irritation, and hostility.
In shadows deep, where darkness reigns,
Fear weaves its tale, with unseen chains.
It creeps, it crawls, a silent thief,
Stealing peace, sowing disbelief.
A specter lurking in the night,
A whispered doubt, a hidden fright.
It thrives on what we dare not face,
A haunting presence we must embrace.
But let us not be bound in chains,
For courage flows through mortal veins.
In trembling hearts, a fire ignites,
A spark that burns through endless nights.
For fear, though potent, can be tamed,
Its power weakened, its voice reclaimed.
With steady steps, we'll forge ahead,
Through doubts and shadows, we'll be led.
With every breath, with every stride,
We'll face the fear that seeks to hide.
In its domain, we'll boldly stand,
Armed with the strength to understand.
For fear is but a passing storm,
A tempest wild, yet hearts can warm.
With every step, we'll find our way,
And conquer fear, come what may.
4. Surprise (Opposite: Anticipation): Surprise is related to astonishment, amazement, and wonder. Anticipation involves expectations and eagerness for future events.
In life's grand stage, where moments play,
Surprise emerges, lighting the way.
A sudden spark, a joyful shout,
It turns the world inside and out.
Like petals unfurling in morning's embrace,
Surprise brings a smile to every face.
It dances on breezes, it leaps in the heart,
A burst of magic, a work of art.
It's in the laughter of children at play,
In the first light of dawn, breaking gray.
In a lover's touch, in a friend's warm gaze,
Surprise weaves wonder in life's maze.
It wraps us in wonder, a sweet, fleeting grace,
A moment in time we can't erase.
It lingers in memory, a spark that will stay,
A treasure we carry along the way.
So cherish the moments, both big and small,
For life's sweetest surprises await us all.
In every sunrise, in each twilight's sigh,
Surprise is the twinkle in the eye.
5. Sadness (Opposite: Joy): As mentioned, sadness is characterized by feelings of unhappiness and sorrow, while joy represents happiness and contentment.
In shadows deep, where sorrows dwell,
A somber tale, a heavy spell.
Sadness, like a gentle rain,
Falls softly, easing all our pain.
It weaves its threads through weary hearts,
A melody of muted parts.
A symphony of muted blue,
Painting the world in softer hue.
It whispers through the silent night,
A tender touch, a quiet light.
In every tear, a story told,
In every sigh, a soul consoled.
Through trials faced and burdens borne,
Sadness lingers, a cloak well-worn.
Yet in its depths, we find release,
A tender balm, a moment's peace.
It's in the solace of a friend's embrace,
In the tender lines on a loved one's face.
In the silent soliloquy of the falling rain,
Sadness finds its bittersweet refrain.
For it reminds us of our shared humanity,
A bridge that spans all souls in unity.
In sorrow's grasp, we learn and grow,
And find the strength to face the unknown.
So let us honor, let us hold,
The beauty in sadness, strong and bold.
For within its depths, we find our way,
And emerge with hope into the day.
6. Disgust (Opposite: Trust): Disgust entails feelings of aversion and revulsion, whereas trust involves acceptance and security.
In shadows deep, where shadows play,
Disgust emerges, murky and gray.
A bitter taste, a bitter sting,
It curls our lips and pulls the string.
A specter lurking, dark and cold,
A tale of things we can't uphold.
It rises like a bitter tide,
In moments we can't quite abide.
It's in the sights that turn our gaze,
In scents that haunt our weary days.
A shiver down the trembling spine,
A feeling that we can't define.
Yet, let us not completely shun,
For in disgust, lessons are spun.
It guards our hearts, keeps danger at bay,
A compass guiding us through the fray.
For in the face of what repels,
A truth emerges, slowly swells.
To know what's vile, to know what's wrong,
Strengthens hearts, makes us strong.
So let us face this darker part,
And find the wisdom in our heart.
For in disgust, we learn and grow,
And navigate this world we know.
7. Anger (Opposite: Fear): Anger encompasses emotions like frustration, irritation, and hostility, while fear is associated with anxiety and unease.
In fiery depths, where tempests brew,
Anger rises, fierce and true.
A roaring blaze, a storm unchained,
It courses through, unrestrained.
A flash of lightning, sharp and bright,
It blinds the senses, veils the sight.
A torrent rushing, wild and fast,
It surges forth, a tempest's blast.
It's in the clenched fists, the pounding chest,
In words unspoken, thoughts repressed.
A searing fire, a molten core,
It burns within, forevermore.
Yet, let us not dismiss its might,
For anger, too, can shed a light.
It speaks of boundaries, truth and need,
A call to action, a fiery seed.
In anger's forge, we find our voice,
A catalyst for righteous choice.
To stand for justice, to right the wrong,
To rise with courage, fierce and strong.
So let us harness, let us steer,
The power of anger, bold and clear.
For in its flames, we have the might,
To forge a world where all is right.
8. Anticipation (Opposite: Surprise): Anticipation involves expectations and eagerness for future events, while surprise is linked to astonishment and amazement.
In twilight's hush, where dreams take flight,
Anticipation weaves its light.
A spark of hope, a whispered prayer,
It dances on the waiting air.
It tingles in the eager heart,
A flame that's eager to depart.
A symphony of restless beats,
In every step, in every fleet.
It paints the canvas of our mind,
A masterpiece, both bold and kind.
A tapestry of vivid scenes,
In colors vibrant, pure and keen.
Through whispered promises, it weaves,
A tale of what the heart believes.
In every sigh, in every glance,
Anticipation leads the dance.
It's in the dawn's soft, blushing hue,
In raindrops kissed by morning dew.
In every moment, big or small,
Anticipation stands so tall.
For in this dance of now and then,
Anticipation guides our pen.
It writes the story, bold and grand,
Of futures crafted, hand in hand.
So let us cherish, let us hold,
This gift of waiting, fierce and bold.
For in its grasp, we find our way,
And greet the dawn of a brand new day.
These eight emotions are positioned in pairs, with each emotion having an opposite on the wheel. Plutchik suggested that these opposites are polar opposites, meaning they cannot coexist in a person's emotional state at the same time.
Furthermore, Plutchik proposed that these basic emotions can blend together to create secondary emotions. For example, a combination of joy and trust may result in love, while a combination of fear and surprise could lead to awe.
The Wheel of Emotions provides a visual framework for understanding and categorizing the wide range of human emotions. It's important to note that this model is a theoretical construct and, while insightful, emotions can be highly subjective and complex, often influenced by various individual, cultural, and situational factors.
(Verse 1)
In the morning light, a brand new day,
Colors dance, they're here to stay.
Laughter echoes, hearts beat so strong,
A symphony of joy, where we all belong.
(Chorus)
Oh, joy, you're the melody of life,
Painting rainbows through the darkest night.
You lift us up, you make us shine,
In your embrace, we find our rhyme.
(Verse 2)
Beneath the sky so blue and wide,
With open arms, we'll take this stride.
Together we'll dance, like birds in the air,
With joy in our hearts, we've got so much to share.
(Chorus)
Oh, joy, you're the melody of life,
Painting rainbows through the darkest night.
You lift us up, you make us shine,
In your embrace, we find our rhyme.
(Bridge)
Through trials and tribulations, you remain,
A beacon of hope through sunshine and rain.
You teach us to cherish, to live and to play,
In every single moment, come what may.
(Verse 3)
With friends and family, we'll sing this song,
A celebration of where we belong.
In every smile and in every tear,
We'll find the strength to conquer any fear.
(Chorus)
Oh, joy, you're the melody of life,
Painting rainbows through the darkest night.
You lift us up, you make us shine,
In your embrace, we find our rhyme.
(Outro)
So let's hold on tight, let joy lead the way,
Through every dawn, through every day.
With hearts full of love, and spirits so high,
Together we'll dance, under the endless sky.
(Verse 1)
In a world that spins and turns, so fast,
There's a feeling that will always last.
It's the bridge that binds, the seed that grows,
A treasure deep inside, everybody knows.
(Chorus)
Trust, the cornerstone of every soul,
A beacon in the night, making us whole.
Through thick and thin, it'll guide our way,
In trust, we find the strength to seize the day.
(Verse 2)
A promise kept, a hand to hold,
A story of trust, beautifully told.
In the echo of words, and in every touch,
Lies a bond unbreakable, we cherish so much.
(Chorus)
Trust, the cornerstone of every soul,
A beacon in the night, making us whole.
Through thick and thin, it'll guide our way,
In trust, we find the strength to seize the day.
(Bridge)
Through the storms and through the rain,
Trust will be our guiding flame.
With open hearts, we'll face the unknown,
For in trust, we find our home.
(Verse 3)
It's the warmth of a smile, the strength in our eyes,
A truth that never fades, it never lies.
Through valleys low and mountains high,
In trust, we'll spread our wings and fly.
(Chorus)
Trust, the cornerstone of every soul,
A beacon in the night, making us whole.
Through thick and thin, it'll guide our way,
In trust, we find the strength to seize the day.
(Outro)
So let it shine, let it light our way,
In trust, we'll stand, come what may.
Through every moment, come sun or rain,
Trust will lead us, and we'll break every chain.
(Verse 1)
In the shadows where the whispers hide,
There's a feeling that we can't deny.
A trembling heart, a racing mind,
Fear's a dance we all must find.
(Chorus)
Oh, fear, you're a part of who we are,
A flickering flame, a distant star.
But in the depths, we'll find our might,
Turn darkness into guiding light.
(Verse 2)
In the silence of the night's embrace,
Fear can wear a different face.
A challenge and a call to rise,
To face the truth behind our eyes.
(Chorus)
Oh, fear, you're a part of who we are,
A flickering flame, a distant star.
But in the depths, we'll find our might,
Turn darkness into guiding light.
(Bridge)
Through the valleys, through the storm,
Fear can shape us, but it won't deform.
With steady steps, we'll find our way,
Turn fear to courage, come what may.
(Verse 3)
It's a teacher in the darkest hour,
A thread of strength within our power.
To stand tall when shadows loom,
To face our fears and let them bloom.
(Chorus)
Oh, fear, you're a part of who we are,
A flickering flame, a distant star.
But in the depths, we'll find our might,
Turn darkness into guiding light.
(Outro)
So let it be a journey's start,
To listen to the beat of your own heart.
In fear, we'll find our path ahead,
Turn every stumble into steps we'll tread.
(Verse 1)
In a world of patterns and routine,
There's a magic that remains unseen.
It's the spark that lights our weary eyes,
A burst of wonder, it's the sweet surprise.
(Chorus)
Surprise, the twinkle in the night,
A burst of color in the fading light.
In the unexpected, we find our grace,
Turn every moment into a special place.
(Verse 2)
It's a gift wrapped up in mystery,
A moment that sets our spirits free.
In the laughter and the twinkling skies,
Lives the beauty of a sweet surprise.
(Chorus)
Surprise, the twinkle in the night,
A burst of color in the fading light.
In the unexpected, we find our grace,
Turn every moment into a special place.
(Bridge)
Through the twists and turns of fate,
Surprise whispers, "It's never too late."
With open hearts, we'll embrace the new,
For in surprise, there's a world to view.
(Verse 3)
It's the glint of stars on a moonlit sea,
A whisper of what could come to be.
In the beating heart, the wide-eyed gaze,
Lives the wonder of life's grand maze.
(Chorus)
Surprise, the twinkle in the night,
A burst of color in the fading light.
In the unexpected, we find our grace,
Turn every moment into a special place.
(Outro)
So let it dance, let it light the way,
In every dawn, in every day.
With open arms, we'll chase the prize,
Embracing every sweet surprise.
(Verse 1)
In the quiet spaces where tears may fall,
There's a feeling that echoes through it all.
A somber tune, a gentle sigh,
Sadness whispers, "It's okay to cry."
(Chorus)
Oh, sadness, you're a canvas painted blue,
A melody that speaks of life's ebb and flow.
In the depths, we'll find our strength anew,
Turn tears to rivers where healing waters flow.
(Verse 2)
Through the rain, we'll find our way,
In the heartache, we'll learn to sway.
For in the depths, there lies a seed,
A chance for growth, a soul to feed.
(Chorus)
Oh, sadness, you're a canvas painted blue,
A melody that speaks of life's ebb and flow.
In the depths, we'll find our strength anew,
Turn tears to rivers where healing waters flow.
(Bridge)
Through the darkness, stars will gleam,
In every shadow, there's a dream.
With open hearts, we'll find the light,
Turn sadness into strength, take flight.
(Verse 3)
It's a chapter in the story we tell,
A bittersweet farewell.
In the echoes of a mournful tune,
Lies the promise of a brighter moon.
(Chorus)
Oh, sadness, you're a canvas painted blue,
A melody that speaks of life's ebb and flow.
In the depths, we'll find our strength anew,
Turn tears to rivers where healing waters flow.
(Outro)
So let it be, let it gently fade,
In every sigh, in every shade.
With open arms, we'll find our way,
In sadness, we'll learn to embrace the day.
(Verse 1)
In a world of tastes and sights so vast,
There's a feeling that we can't hold fast.
A shiver down the spine, a wrinkled nose,
Disgust appears where the repulsion grows.
(Chorus)
Oh, disgust, you're a warning in disguise,
A defense mechanism, sharp and wise.
In the face of the foul, you take a stand,
Guiding us with caution through life's shifting sand.
(Verse 2)
It's a gut reaction, an instinctive pull,
A signal that says, "Stay away, be cool."
In the face of what's toxic, we find our voice,
Choosing wisely, making the right choice.
(Chorus)
Oh, disgust, you're a warning in disguise,
A defense mechanism, sharp and wise.
In the face of the foul, you take a stand,
Guiding us with caution through life's shifting sand.
(Bridge)
Through the muck and through the grime,
Disgust keeps us from crossing the line.
With discerning hearts, we'll understand,
The power of disgust to protect our land.
(Verse 3)
It's a lesson in discernment, clear and bright,
A boundary marker in the darkest night.
In the face of what's wrong, we'll stand tall,
With disgust as our shield, we won't fall.
(Chorus)
Oh, disgust, you're a warning in disguise,
A defense mechanism, sharp and wise.
In the face of the foul, you take a stand,
Guiding us with caution through life's shifting sand.
(Outro)
So let it guide, let it keep us free,
In every choice, in every plea.
With open eyes, we'll understand,
The role of disgust in our life's grand plan.
(Verse 1)
In the fire's glow, a tempest brews,
A feeling that we can't refuse.
A thunderous beat, a raging sea,
Anger roars, it's a part of me.
(Chorus)
Oh, anger, you're a force untamed,
A burning fire, a spirit unchained.
In the heat of the moment, we find our might,
Harnessing your power, we'll stand and fight.
(Verse 2)
It's a call to action, a rising tide,
A surge of strength we can't hide.
In the face of injustice, we take our stance,
Letting anger fuel our righteous dance.
(Chorus)
Oh, anger, you're a force untamed,
A burning fire, a spirit unchained.
In the heat of the moment, we find our might,
Harnessing your power, we'll stand and fight.
(Bridge)
Through the trials and the battles won,
Anger whispers, "It's not yet done."
With fiery hearts, we'll change the game,
Turn anger's blaze into a guiding flame.
(Verse 3)
It's a call for justice, a cry for change,
A demand for a world rearranged.
In the heart of the fight, the burning core,
Anger lights the way to something more.
(Chorus)
Oh, anger, you're a force untamed,
A burning fire, a spirit unchained.
In the heat of the moment, we find our might,
Harnessing your power, we'll stand and fight.
(Outro)
So let it surge, let it pave the way,
In every dawn, in every day.
With open hearts, we'll understand,
The role of anger in our life's grand plan.
(Verse 1)
In the hush of night, a spark ignites,
A feeling that sets our hearts alight.
Eyes wide with wonder, hearts aflutter,
Anticipation, like distant thunder.
(Chorus)
Oh, anticipation, you're the thrill we chase,
A symphony of hope, a dance of grace.
In every heartbeat, in every glance,
We'll find our rhythm in the song of chance.
(Verse 2)
It's the breath before a leap of faith,
A moment that defies time and space.
In the dreams we weave, the plans we trace,
Anticipation takes its place.
(Chorus)
Oh, anticipation, you're the thrill we chase,
A symphony of hope, a dance of grace.
In every heartbeat, in every glance,
We'll find our rhythm in the song of chance.
(Bridge)
Through the whispers of the waiting game,
Anticipation fuels the flame.
With hearts ablaze, we'll embrace the new,
For in the waiting, dreams come true.
(Verse 3)
It's the flutter of wings in the morning light,
A promise of a world so bright.
In the steps we take, the dreams we pursue,
Anticipation leads us through.
(Chorus)
Oh, anticipation, you're the thrill we chase,
A symphony of hope, a dance of grace.
In every heartbeat, in every glance,
We'll find our rhythm in the song of chance.
(Outro)
So let it soar, let it guide our way,
In every dawn, in every day.
With open hearts, we'll take the chance,
And let anticipation lead the dance.
