Describing the indescribable is a challenge, but there's more to it than just emotions. It's a combination of emotions, aesthetics, meaning, and values that create a feeling. Layering feelings creates a vibe. It's hard to put into words, but things like the transition of seasons evoke a certain sentiment. Fall, for example, brings trepidation and excitement for school, but it's also a distinct experience that can only be felt when you're in it. It's difficult to describe, but hopefully, those who have experienced it can relate.
How much do we remember of what we learn in school or from conversation? Psychologist Adam Mastroianni says: from little to nothing much. What do our brains retain? Mastroianni argues that often it's a mix of emotions, meanings, and values that end up shaping who we are, what Mastroianni calls "vibes." Listen as he and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss the role of vibes in knowledge acquisition and the implications for how we teach, learn, and speak to those around us.