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History Extra podcast
Death by nostalgia: the curious history of a dangerous emotion
May 2, 2024
Agnes Arnold-Forster, author of Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion, explores the cultural impact of nostalgia from East German 'Ostalgie' to Victorian medieval love. She discusses how nostalgia is weaponized in politics and ponders its potential for good. The podcast delves into the historical perceptions of nostalgia as a deadly disease, the revival of medieval themes in different eras, and the role of nostalgia in politics, highlighting its impact on well-being and creativity.
30:26
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Quick takeaways
- Nostalgia was once diagnosed as a deadly disease by a Swiss physician in the 17th century, leading to fatal outcomes for those afflicted.
- Nostalgia has evolved from a physical illness to a psychological discomfort, with psychologists viewing excessive nostalgia as a negative trait.
Deep dives
The Origin of Nostalgia as a Deadly Disease in the 17th Century
The concept of nostalgia as a deadly disease originated in the late 17th century when a Swiss physician named Johannes Hoffer diagnosed it as a pathological homesickness. Patients with nostalgia experienced both psychological and physical symptoms, leading to death by starvation. This early understanding of nostalgia focused on place-based longing rather than time-based wistfulness, highlighting the lethal consequences associated with this emotion.
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