Darwin's Storytellers | Paul Bloom | Big Think

TL;DR

Humans are drawn to fiction because it provides pleasure and allows for the exploration of alternative worlds and worst-case scenarios.

Transcript

fiction is such a puzzle um you know you'd expect as good darwinian creatures we would evolve to be fascinated with how the world really is and we would use language to convey real world information we'd be obsessed with knowing the way things are and we would entirely reject stories that aren't true useless um but that's not the way we work we we ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤯 Fiction provides pleasure by allowing individuals to imagine desired experiences and stimulate the mind.
• 💨 It serves as a way to explore worst-case scenarios and mentally prepare for potential challenges.
• 👶 Even young children are drawn to fiction, indicating an innate appreciation for simulated pleasures and exposure to challenging scenarios.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do humans enjoy fiction?

Humans enjoy fiction because it provides pleasure through the imagination, allowing individuals to experience desired situations even if they cannot be achieved in reality. It also allows for the exploration of different personalities and characters.

Q: Why are people drawn to tragedies and horror movies?

Fiction, including tragedies and horror movies, allows individuals to explore worst-case scenarios, which has adaptive value in preparing for and planning them. It serves as a way to mentally and emotionally prepare for challenging situations.

Q: Why do children enjoy fiction?

Children enjoy fiction because it simulates real-world pleasures while also exposing them to worst-case scenarios. It allows them to experience different emotions and helps them understand and cope with certain situations.

Q: How does fiction allow individuals to explore different parts of themselves?

Fiction, especially in modern situations like online role-playing games, allows individuals to create alternative selves and explore different personalities and characters. It gives them the opportunity to understand different perspectives and aspects of their own personality.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Fiction provides pleasure by stimulating the mind and allowing individuals to imagine pleasurable experiences they desire in reality.

• Fiction also serves as a way to prepare for worst-case scenarios and explore alternative worlds.

• Even young children are drawn to fiction, both for its simulation of real-world pleasures and exposure to worst-case scenarios.