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The Edition: Power play

Best of the Spectator

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The Social Evolution of Nostalgia

Nostalgia serves as a social emotion that evolves to strengthen human connections, focusing on memories populated by loved ones. This emotion facilitates the cementing of social bonds, promoting positive feelings towards others despite its mixed reputation. Nostalgia encourages the remembrance of communal experiences, contrasting with modern trends where rapid urbanization and individualism may lead to decreased social connectivity. In contexts like China, where dramatic societal changes can erase familiar places and traditions, the sense of nostalgia can intensify, reflecting the significance of communal ties and the emotional weight of lost connections. Nostalgia’s role as a positive influence on social relationships underscores its evolutionary importance in fostering community and enhancing societal well-being.

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