The Effects of Literature on the Brain

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Angus MacKinnon: Literature is a tool for causing effects in the brain. He says most of literature's effects arem a feeling of awe, which kind can lead into spiritual feelings of purpose and meaning. The more that the author can lean into what the audience is getting from his or her work, the better it will be at making people feel good about their own lives,. he writes.

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.