Overview
Storytelling, a tradition that built human civilization, may soon destroy it
Humans are storytelling animals. Stories are what make our societies possible. Countless books celebrateĀ their virtues.Ā But Jonathan Gottschall, an expert on the science of stories,Ā argues that there is a dark side to storytellingĀ we can no longer ignore.Ā 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. The results challenge the idea that storytelling is an obvious force for good in human life. Yes, storytelling can bind groups together, but it is also the main force dragging people apart. And itās the best method weāve ever devised for manipulating each other by circumventing rational thought. Behind all civilizationās greatest illsāenvironmental destruction, runaway demagogues, warfareāyou will always find the same master factor: a mind-disordering story.
Gottschall argues that societies succeed or fail depending on how they manage these tensions. And it has only become harder, as new technologies that amplify theĀ effectsĀ of disinformation campaigns, conspiracy theories, and fake news make separating fact from fiction nearly impossible.
With clarity and conviction,Ā GottschallĀ revealsĀ whyĀ ourĀ biggestĀ assetĀ has becomeĀ ourĀ greatest threat, and what, if anything, can be done. It is a call to stop asking,Ā āHow we can change the world through stories?āĀ and start asking,Ā āHow can we save the world from stories?āĀ
This book title, The Story Paradox (How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Societies and Tears them Down), ISBN: 9781541645967, by Jonathan Gottschall, published by Basic Books (September 7, 2021) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer The Story Paradox (How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Societies and Tears them Down) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order The Story Paradox (How Our Love of Storytelling Builds Societies and Tears them Down) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!