56 pages • 1 hour read
Jonathan GottschallA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
248
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
In The Storytelling Animal, Jonathan Gottschall examines how storytelling shapes human life, arguing that humans are inherently driven to create and inhabit stories. He explores storytelling's role in evolutionary development, social cohesion, and psychological functions, using scientific studies and literary analysis to illustrate the universality and diversity of narratives across cultures. The book also discusses the potential for storytelling to deceive or manipulate through examples like conspiracy theories and influential fictional narratives connected to historical events like Adolf Hitler and Richard Wagner's operas.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
7,634 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Storytelling Animal by Jonathan Gottschall is lauded for its compelling argument on the innate human urge for storytelling, blending science and humanities seamlessly. While readers praise its engaging narrative and thought-provoking insights, some critique it for occasional repetitiveness and lack of depth in certain areas. Nonetheless, it remains an enlightening read.
Readers who would enjoy The Storytelling Animal by Jonathan Gottschall are curious about the evolutionary and psychological roots of storytelling. Fans of works like Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari and The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell will appreciate Gottschall's accessible blend of science and narrative.
7,634 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
248
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.