In the post-truth era, there is a trend towards unwavering certainty where both sides adamantly believe they hold the absolute truth. However, the speaker argues that embracing doubt and humility in our ability to know things is crucial. This approach acts as a safeguard against extremism and the demonization of opponents. Post modern doubt is seen as having significant value in promoting a more balanced and humble world, different from the prevailing extreme certainties.
Humans are storytelling animals. Stories are what make our societies possible. Countless books celebrate their virtues. But Jonathan Gottschall, an expert on the science of stories, argues that there is a dark side to storytelling we can no longer ignore. Storytelling, the very tradition that built human civilization, may be the thing that destroys it.
In The Story Paradox, Gottschall explores how a broad consortium of psychologists, communications specialists, neuroscientists, and literary quants are using the scientific method to study how stories affect our brains.
In this conversation based on his new book, Gottschall reveals why our biggest asset has become our greatest threat, and what, if anything, can be done. It is a call to stop asking, “How we can change the world through stories?” and start asking, “How can we save the world from stories?”