Why We Tell Stories - The Science of Narrative

Explore the science and significance of storytelling in this thought-provoking panel discussion from the World Science Festival. Delve into the evolutionary, cognitive, and cultural aspects of narrative with experts Jonathan Gottschall, Joyce Carol Oates, Jeffrey Eugenides, and Keith Oatley. Discover how stories shape our understanding of the world, influence our social interactions, and contribute to human development. Examine the universality of storytelling across cultures, the neuroscience behind narrative engagement, and the role of fiction in enhancing empathy. Investigate children's natural storytelling abilities, the age at which we begin to appreciate complex emotions in stories, and speculate on the future of storytelling in the digital age. Gain insights into the profound impact of narratives on human cognition, social behavior, and our species' survival through this comprehensive exploration of why we tell stories.

Jay Allison's Introduction
Upright Citizens Brigade
Participant Introductions
What made you study storytelling from the side of science?
How universal are stories across cultures and time?
Joyce Carol Oates why did you choose to create stories?
What does it take to fall into a good story?
What is activated in the mind when we hear stories?
The more fiction you read the better you are with people.
The most natural storytellers are kids.
Were stories just part of your growing up?
When do children start telling stories.
At what age do we like being sad or scared
What is the role of story telling in evolution?
We create simulations of the world through story.
Are we at a point of knowing why we tell stories?
What will story telling look like at the end of the century?