“…before he walked to the window to recollect himself, and feel how he ought to behave.” (p. 56)

“But neither Charles Hayter’s feelings, nor anybody’s feelings, could interest her, till she had a little better arranged her own.” (p. 57)

– Persuasion, by Jane Austen, Wordsworth Classics edition 2000

Not only are these neatly turned phrases, but they imply a marvelous sense of intellectual control over emotion. Do we have similar expectations of ourselves in modern culture(s)? Do we assume that emotions have their place, but that it isn’t in public? Some of that does remain in attitudes regarding business relationships, but even there things are changing.