Abstract
I should like here to take a closer look at how the expression of emotions undergoes essential functional differentiations and transformations during ontogenesis. Let me give an example that is meant to clarify my purpose: A little boy has a birthday, and he gets the bicycle that he has been wanting for a long time. How will he react to the gift? He will be very happy, and generally will express his happiness in a very excited and impulsive way. But what about an adult who has just received a new mountain bike for his birthday? Although he may be as happy as the child, he will generally not express his happiness in such an excited and impulsive way.

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