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Hidden Brain · October 26, 2026 · 1h 30m

The Story of Stories

We all seek explanations — for a late friend, for how nuclear fission works, for a baby's sleep. Psychologist Tania Lombrozo discusses how some researchers see the drive to explain as a basic human impulse, like thirst or hunger. The conversation considers how explanations can lead to discovery, delight, and disaster. In a second segment, Jonathan Rottenberg answers listener questions about rethinking depression.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

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The Drive to Explain Is a Basic Human Impulse
Some researchers see the need to explain the world as a basic human impulse, similar to thirst or hunger.
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Explanations Lead to Discovery, Delight, and Disaster
The episode frames explanations as double-edged, capable of leading to discovery, delight, and disaster.

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