Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast The power of hand gestures
Apr 14, 2025
Damon Young, philosopher and author of 'Immortal Gestures: Journeys in the Unspoken,' dives deep into the fascinating world of hand gestures. He explores the emotional impact of a simple wave goodbye, emphasizing its significance in human connection. The discussion also unpacks the rich history and cultural variations of handshakes, revealing how trust and meaning evolve over time. With a focus on gestures like the shrug, Young illustrates how body language conveys complex emotions, showing that our silent expressions speak volumes about who we are.
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The Nod's Deeper Meaning
- A nod acknowledges shared existence, not just agreement.
- It signals belonging to a common world, a subtle connection.
Handshake Origins
- Handshakes originated from demonstrating a lack of weapons.
- It signifies non-threat, paving the way for trust and conversation.
The Unshaken Hand
- Damon Young refused to shake a person's hand at a literary festival.
- The person hadn't washed their hands after using the restroom.
