Death by nostalgia: the curious history of a dangerous emotion
History Extra podcast
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Unraveling the Historical Perceptions of Nostalgia
The chapter delves into the origins of nostalgia, tracing its roots back to the 17th century when it was considered a deadly disease leading to death by starvation. It explores how nostalgia was perceived as a threat, especially among soldiers, and discusses the shifting views towards it from a physical illness to a psychological problem. The speaker challenges the modern interpretation of nostalgia as a snobbish or reactionary emotion and emphasizes the societal and historical influences on nostalgic sentiments.
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