TED Talks Daily The history of human emotions | Tiffany Watt Smith
Aug 16, 2019
In this engaging discussion, cultural historian Tiffany Watt Smith delves into the fascinating evolution of human emotions and their linguistic expressions. She reveals how nostalgia was once deemed an illness but has transformed into a more benign concept. Tiffany introduces unique cultural terms like 'awumbuk' and 'amai' that capture specific feelings, showcasing how language shapes our emotional experiences. The exploration highlights the interplay between societal values and our understanding of emotions, reflecting on their fluidity over time.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Homesick Student
- In the 17th century, a student in Basel suffered from extreme homesickness, causing physical symptoms and requiring prayers.
- Doctors realized the cause only when his condition improved upon returning home.
Nostalgia as a Deadly Disease
- In 1688, Johannes Hofer coined the term "Nostalgia" for this homesickness, which was considered deadly.
- The last recorded Nostalgia death was a WWI soldier, highlighting its changing perception.
Shifting Emotional Values
- Societal values influence how we perceive our emotions.
- Today, we celebrate happiness, while in the 16th century, sadness was considered a valuable skill.