#944 - Will Storr - A Masterclass In Storytelling

Chris Williamson interviews Will Storr about the power of stories and their influence on human behavior, identity, and society. They discuss how stories shape our perceptions, create connections within groups, and drive our desires for status. The conversation explores the concept of "knowingness," the role of social identity and mimicry, and the impact of stories on advertising, politics, and personal beliefs. Storr emphasizes that stories are the language of the brain, enabling cooperation and shaping our understanding of the world, and highlights the importance of heroes and villains in archetypal storytelling. They also touch on the dangers of criticism capture and the changing landscape of media and role models.