Thread: How negative should our thoughts be?

I guess I fail to see where negative thoughts and emotions lead to happiness.

By themselves they don't, but when used correctly they do by motivating you to take action. If I'm angry with my neighbour for example, then if I deal with the emotion properly it motivates me to handle the problem, removing the source of my anger and so making me happier. If I deal with it badly by smashing one of my possessions in a fit of rage then that makes the situation worse.

It's a similar situation with feelings such as hunger. Being hungry is unpleasant, and motivates me to find food which removes the source of my hunger.