'"Passies zijn als de winden". Natuur en cultuur in de emotie-theorieën van de Verlichting', in: Psychologie en Maatschappij 24 (2000), p.122-136 The ideology of the Enlightenment which laid great emphasis on the value of reason for humankind, also evoked a keen interest in the contribution of emotions to human happiness. Enlightenment authors generally believed in the merits of human 'nature' including the vital importance of emotions. But they also believed that mankind and society could and should be improved. This article examines the precise relationship between nature and culture in the emotion discourse of Dutch Enlightenment magazines. The author reviews contemporary ideas about the universal character of the emotions, the perceived influences of civilization, political structures, and social habits on the development of inner life, and the ideals behind the advised methods of control. She concludes that nature and culture yet were not always presented as opposite forces.