In the process of what i call paternicity, people are just finding meaningful patterns in data that isn't really connected. Certain themes seem to come up over and over, not because of an archetype, but just by kind of chance. And so we see those things as arch but they're not really. In my book, you know, how we believe, i toyed with this idea of the oppression redemption myth y tryin t tryg to explain the jesus resurrection.
Michael speaks with neuroscientist and literature professor Dr. Angus Fletcher about 25 of the most powerful developments in the history of literature, from ancient Mesopotamia to Elena Ferrante. Fletcher says these literary technologies can alleviate grief, trauma, loneliness, anxiety, numbness, depression, pessimism, and ennui — all while sparking creativity, courage, love, empathy, hope, joy, and positive change. Fletcher is a professor of story science at Ohio State’s Project Narrative, the world’s leading academic think-tank for the study of stories. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.