Intelligence Squared The Handshake: A Gripping History
Apr 6, 2021
Ella Al-Shamahi, a National Geographic Explorer and comedian, joins science broadcaster Helen Czerski to explore the rich history of handshakes. They delve into its evolutionary significance, tracing its origins back seven million years. The conversation highlights the handshake's role in public health, from a pivotal moment with an AIDS patient to its abrupt decline during the pandemic. They also discuss cultural variations, the importance of touch, and the ongoing resilience of this iconic gesture in human interaction.
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The Importance of Touch
- Touch, like handshakes and hugs, plays a vital role in greetings, influencing hormones and social bonding.
- Handshakes offer a comfortable medium of intimacy, unlike more intimate greetings.
Handshakes and Touch
- Handshakes are a unique form of greeting because they involve physical touch while maintaining some distance.
- Touch is crucial for greetings due to its impact on hormones and the exchange of chemical signals.
Diana's Handshake
- Princess Diana shook an AIDS patient's hand without gloves, shocking the public.
- This intentional act aimed to demonstrate that HIV is not transmitted through touch, challenging the stigma.
