PLATO described emotion and reason as two horses pulling in opposite directions. Decision making is perceived as the competition between an emotion system that is automatic but prone to error, and a reason system that is slow but rational.

Now I don’t intend to dwell on the merits of these assumptions, but they did come to mind when news of the proposed sale of Kempton Park was announced. The immediate and emotional reaction was one of shock, horror and disbelief. The proposers of the sale had a long time to consider it and arguably were making a reasoned suggestion.