The Storytelling Animal

Gottschall continues to weave his narrative around the fundamental role of storytelling in human psychology and cognition, societal functioning and cohesion, and cultural evolution. Through his exploration across various chapters, he attempts to elucidate how stories not only entertain but also fundamentally shape morals, beliefs, and actions.

This section focuses on The Impact of Stories on Social Cohesion and Identity. Gottschall uses religious narratives as an entry point for his discussion, showing how these narratives have historically been used to cement societal norms and fostered unity. Major world religions leverage stories to outline ethical guidelines and rituals, providing explanations for existence and moral order. These narratives have not only guided individual behaviors but have also been pivotal in shaping societal structures, Gottschall argues, inferring that storytelling may be an evolutionary adaptation that enhances group survival.

However, the impact of storytelling extends beyond religious contexts. Gottschall discusses the role of national myths and historical narratives in promoting a cohesive national identity, often at a cost: These unifying narratives risk simplifying complex historical figures and events into sanitized versions that serve contemporary societal needs.  The power of stories to influence real-world events and individual destinies is further exemplified by the impact of fictional characters and narratives on historical figures and events. The anecdote about how Wagner’s opera influenced Adolf Hitler illustrates the potential of stories to shape political ideologies and alter the course of history. This section adds nuance to Gottschall’s argument, showing that storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used for good or ill.

The exploration of “imaginative resistance” in fiction reveals another dimension of storytelling’s influence—its ability to reinforce societal norms and moral judgments. Fiction often challenges individuals with morally contentious scenarios, engaging their sense of right and wrong and reinforcing cultural values through the consequences that befall characters: “Fiction is, on the whole, intensely moralistic. Yes, evil occurs, and antiheroes, from Milton’s Satan to Tony Soprano, captivate us. But fiction virtually always puts us in a position to judge wrongdoing, and we do so with gusto” (130). This function of fiction is intended to underscore its role in affirming moral values and shaping societal norms, even as it entertains.

Because storytelling promotes social cohesion and instills shared values within a group, it can also lead to conflicts with external groups holding different narratives. Through stories, societies not only transmit essential knowledge and shape behaviors but also define their values, demonstrating the fundamental importance of storytelling in the maintenance of social structures. However, storytelling can also be used to challenge the status quo. Individuals and groups can use narratives to push back against dominant cultural narratives by offering alternative perspectives or advocating for change. Gottschall cites the Civil Rights Movement in the United States as an example of people leveraging powerful narratives about justice, equality, and human dignity to challenge prevailing social norms and influence significant legal and cultural changes.

Gottschall’s analysis of the ways in which narratives shape the social fabric relates to another theme, The Diversity and Universality of Storytelling Across Cultures. Gottschall’s examination culminates in the idea that storytelling is a critical component of human social life. Whether through myths, religious stories, historical narratives, or fictional tales, storytelling remains a powerful force that molds the world.