Cognition is considered as a brain function superior to and distinct from emotional states. There are different levels of cognition: from simple habituation, emotional learning to advanced planning and awareness. It is often assumed, that an advanced cognitive ability with indispensable neuronal complexity is required for experiencing welfare. What level of complexity is envisioned? I define welfare as a specific subjective experience with a biological function, namely optimization of behaviour. I will present a hierarchically organized brain where emotional states and cognitive abilities are positioned as two gradually different prerequisites for the optimal adaptive response. Emotional states are defined as internal signals organizing standard answers to phylogenetically old standard problems. For instance, a standard problem can be lack of food; a concerted action of various brain areas has the ability to organize efficient food intake. The signals mobilize 'higher' cognitive structures facilitating the integration of specific information (what, when and where) into a final response and are perceived as hunger and satisfaction after a successful response, respectively. The perception of the own state by "higher cognitive functions" can be conceived as the signal from the neuronal network representing: the difference between (i) the situation the animal is in and (ii) the situation which is pursued. This difference consists of sensory input representing the external world and internal input from lower limbic brain areas representing the appraisal of that sensory input in relation to actual needs. The hierarchically organized brain of vertebrates enables animal to perceive their world: this perception of the own state - pleasure stress, etc. - has an adaptive function in a changing environment. However, in a never changing world the content of cognitive perception is hopelessness.