The Storytelling Animal

Steven Pinker is a notable figure who informs The Storytelling Animal. As a cognitive psychologist and linguist, Pinker considers the nature of language, the psychology of violence, and the evolutionary roots of human behavior in books like The Language Instinct and How the Mind Works. His exploration of how cognitive functions have developed through natural selection offers insights into the mechanisms behind storytelling’s pervasive role in human society. Pinker’s theories on the evolutionary psychology of language and thought provide a critical backdrop for understanding why storytelling could be considered an adaptive trait, rather than just a cultural artifact.

Pinker argues that the human penchant for narrative is an evolutionary adaptation that enhances the human ability to communicate effectively and bond with others. His analysis suggests that storytelling can be seen as a sophisticated extension of linguistic abilities, allowing individuals not only to convey information but also to persuade, entertain, and build social cohesion. This perspective supports Gottschall’s thesis by grounding the art of storytelling in cognitive and biological imperatives. Pinker’s insights into the brain’s preference for patterned and structured information help illuminate why narratives, with their beginning, middle, and end, are so compelling and memorable.

Through Pinker’s framework, Gottschall discusses how storytelling harnesses and expands cognitive resources, improving one’s ability to think abstractly and empathetically. Pinker’s influence is particularly evident in Gottschall’s discussions on how stories shape understandings of the world.

Brian Boyd’s contributions to the understanding of storytelling as an evolutionary trait help shape the arguments presented in The Storytelling Animal. Boyd, a literary scholar, argues that the origin of stories is rooted in a biological need for cognitive development and social interaction. His concept of storytelling as “cognitive play” provides a pivotal framework for Gottschall’s exploration. Boyd suggests that narratives serve as a safe, virtual space where individuals can experiment with social scenarios and emotional responses, which in turn prepares them for real-world interactions. Gottschall expands on Boyd’s ideas to examine how stories serve as tools for mental training, allowing individuals to rehearse possible life situations and explore the outcomes of different choices without taking physical risks.

Boyd’s influence is visible in how Gottschall presents storytelling as a fundamental human strategy that bridges entertainment and cognitive function. The book discusses various genres and forms of narratives—from folktales to modern cinema—and elucidates how each contributes to the intellectual and emotional development of individuals and the cultural cohesion of societies. Gottschall uses Boyd’s theoretical insights to argue that the human attraction to stories is a vital part of evolutionary heritage.

In The Storytelling Animal, William Shakespeare exemplifies the influence of narrative on human culture and psychology. Shakespeare’s diverse body of work, encompassing tragedies, comedies, and histories, is an example of storytelling’s capacity to mirror and mold human experience. Gottschall draws on Shakespeare’s plays to demonstrate how storytelling transcends entertainment to explore the human condition. His characters are archetypal yet complex, embodying universal human conflicts and emotions such as ambition, guilt, love, and betrayal.

Shakespeare’s plays are particularly relevant to Gottschall’s arguments about the social function of stories. For instance, plays like Hamlet and Macbeth invite reflection on moral and philosophical issues, influencing audiences’ perceptions and beliefs. This engagement with human themes makes Shakespeare’s work an ideal reference point for discussions on the evolutionarily adaptive functions of storytelling—providing shared cultural touchstones that enhance social cohesion and personal introspection.

Moreover, Shakespeare’s enduring relevance highlights Gottschall’s arguments about the timeless nature of storytelling and its essential role in human culture. Shakespeare’s reputation for capturing human emotion and conflict in a way that remains relatable across centuries is used to underscore storytelling’s power as a tool for cultural transmission and moral education. Gottschall uses Shakespeare’s example to argue that the narrative arts are not just a reflection of human culture but a force that has helped to shape humanity itself.