The Storytelling Animal

First published by Mariner Books in 2013, The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human explores the integral role of storytelling in human existence through a blend of science and literature. The author, Jonathan Gottschall, a scholar with a foundation in both English and psychology, uses his background to delve into why and how storytelling defines the human experience. This text straddles the genres of literary criticism and science, engaging with topics like evolutionary biology, psychology, and cultural studies to explain the human propensity for creating and consuming stories. Through a mix of anecdotes, scientific studies, and literary analysis, Gottschall considers the evolutionary roots of storytelling, arguing that it is a product of past human development and essential for psychological functions. He discusses how stories shape and reflect human values and behaviors, influencing social cohesion and personal identity, while considering the universality and diversity of storytelling across different cultures, suggesting that, despite varied histories, storytelling remains a universally shared trait that enhances understandings of the world and ourselves.

This guide refers to the 2012 Mariner Books Kindle Edition.

Summary

In The Storytelling Animal, Jonathan Gottschall explores the role of storytelling in shaping human life, arguing that humans are creatures inherently driven to create and live within stories.