The psychology of fiction with Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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Mar 14, 2023

Dive into the fascinating world of storytelling with an acclaimed novelist and former psychology researcher. Explore how our emotional ties to fiction shape our understanding of human behavior and empathy. Discover the intricate balance between character motivations, plot twists, and the creative process behind writing. Delve into the ethical responsibilities of crafting authentic narratives that resonate. Plus, hear a delightful interlude with a special guest co-host asking about creativity and favorite characters!

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ANECDOTE

Early Love of Fiction

Jennifer Lynn Barnes loved stories from a young age, twisting fairy tales and watching soap operas.
A first-grade writing assignment revealed the power of storytelling, sparking her lifelong passion.

INSIGHT

Psychology and Fiction's Shared Interest

Barnes's interest in others' minds drew her to psychology, mirroring her love for fiction.
Psychology offers a way to explore and understand people's minds, similar to how fiction provides access to characters' thoughts.

INSIGHT

The Gossip Theory of Fiction

The "gossip theory" suggests fiction's appeal stems from our evolved interest in social dynamics and relationships, like gossip.
Barnes applied this by creating a scenario prompting worldwide gossip: a girl inheriting a fortune from a stranger.

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Sapiens

A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval Noah Harari

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.

How the Mind Works

Steven Pinker

In this book, Steven Pinker delves into the workings of the human mind, addressing questions such as why we are rational yet often irrational, how we perceive the world, and the origins of emotions, social interactions, and higher cognitive functions. Pinker synthesizes insights from cognitive science, evolutionary biology, and other fields to explain how the mind evolved to solve the problems faced by our ancestors. He discusses topics like vision, emotion, social behavior, and the mysteries of consciousness, arguing for a computational theory of mind and an adaptationist approach to evolution[2][3][5].

How Pleasure Works

Paul Bloom

The Inheritance Games

Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Avery Grambs, an orphan with a plan to survive high school and win a scholarship, has her life turned upside down when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne leaves her his entire fortune. To receive the inheritance, Avery must move into the sprawling Hawthorne House, filled with secret passages, puzzles, and codes. She must navigate the distrust and hostility of the Hawthorne grandsons, who were disinherited, and uncover the reasons behind Tobias Hawthorne's unexpected will. The story is filled with thrilling twists, high-stakes puzzles, and romantic elements as Avery works to uncover the truth and survive in a world of wealth and privilege[1][3][4].