Death by nostalgia: the curious history of a dangerous emotion
History Extra podcast
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.
00:00
Transcript
Play full episode
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
