Chapter 1
The brain on once upon a time
Chapter 2
Earth's shared story blueprint
Chapter 3
The dark side of safety
Chapter 4
The math of memorable patterns
YOUR GOAL
Master of The secret chemistry of once upon a time
Ch 1 · The brain on once upon a time
disney Clean isometric glass and chrome vials display the chemical cocktail of narrative transport.
Fun Fact
Brain mirroring: When you watch someone eat in a story, your brain's motor cortex fires as if you are chewing too.
Glossary
oxytocin (noun)
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and facilitates social bonding. In 2021, Brazilian scientists discovered that oral storytelling triggers the release of this hormone in hospitalized children.
A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and facilitates social bonding. In 2021, Brazilian scientists discovered that oral storytelling triggers the release of this hormone in hospitalized children.
Quiz
According to Paul Zak's 2014 study, which hormone promotes empathy when we read about characters?
Quiz
In cognitive science, what is the term for the feeling of being completely lost in a story's world?
Quiz
Which brain region is activated when we read about a character running, mimicking the actual physical action?
Quiz
What evolutionary theory suggests scary stories help us rehearse survival strategies safely?
Quiz
What is the name of the brain synchronization phenomenon discovered by Uri Hasson in 2010?
Quiz
What did the 2010 Princeton study find about the brains of a storyteller and a listener?