History Archives

Why Do People Like Stories? How Stories Appeal to the Brain

Why do people like stories? What answer can we find in the reason why storytelling developed in the first place? Stories aren’t just entertaining; they also satisfy a neurological need that humans evolved over millennia. That’s the view of Lisa Cron, who argues that our brains evolved to absorb important survival information through stories. Read more to understand why Cron urges writers to write in a way that satisfies our brains’ expectations of a story.

The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist: Overview

What’s the truth about the difference between the right brain and the left brain? Is one dominant over the other? Is one more important than the other? In The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist argues that pop psychology has given us a wrong—and dangerous—impression of the brain’s hemispheres. He contends that the right hemisphere is more important—and that our failure to recognize this threatens to rob our lives of meaning and happiness. Continue reading for an overview of this contrarian book.

The Evolution of Eukaryotes: Following Clues From “Junk DNA”

How did eukaryotes evolve? How can we even go about figuring it out? Biochemist Nick Lane follows clues provided by introns to learn how eukaryotes evolved. He takes us on a journey through time, explaining how eukaryotic life might have experienced ever greater organization and complexity, eventually evolving into the plant and animal kingdoms we know today. Keep reading to learn what Lane believes about the evolution of eukaryotes.

The Origin of Eukaryotes: Beyond Bacteria and Archaea

How did complex life emerge? What distinguishes eukaryotic life from simpler life forms? In his quest to understand the origin of life, biochemist Nick Lane examines the transition from the simplest life forms (bacteria and archaea) to more advanced organisms (eukaryotes). He explains his research and his resulting proposal in The Vital Question. Read more to understand Lane’s ideas about the origin of eukaryotes.

The First Cells on Earth: A Biochemist Goes Back in Time

When, where, and how did the first cells on Earth arise? How can we fill in the gaps left by the fossil record and genetics? In The Vital Question, biochemist Nick Lane explores the biochemistry of cells and speculates about how life might have developed on the very young Earth. He discusses the genetic history and what cells require. Then, he uses that information to hypothesize about the earliest cells. Continue reading to take a journey deep into prehistory—and into the ocean.

3 Eras of Right Hemisphere Dominance: A Fresh Look at History

What can we learn about the brain by studying history? What do the Classical period, the Renaissance, and the Romantic era have in common? Contrary to popular opinion, Iain McGilchrist contends that the left brain hemisphere should be subservient to the right. He contends that three historical eras embody the primacy of the right hemisphere: classical antiquity, the Renaissance, and Romanticism. Read on to get a new perspective on history by seeing it through the lens of right hemisphere dominance.

3 Eras of Left Hemisphere Dominance: A Unique View of History

Why was some religious art destroyed during the Reformation? What’s the evidence that Descartes was left brain dominant? What can we learn from the instances of mental illness in the modern era? Psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist thinks the right brain hemisphere belongs in control. He points to several historical eras that he says illustrate power imbalances between the hemispheres. Continue reading to understand how, according to McGilchrist, left hemisphere dominance defined certain eras in history.

The Geography of Energy: How Nations Compete for Fuel

What was behind Imperial Japan’s ambitions? Why are some European nations reluctant to oppose Russia? Journalist Tim Marshall explains how geography shapes how nations interact with one another in his book Prisoners of Geography. He shows how, based on its geography, a nation might need to focus on securing energy resources. Read on to learn about the fascinating geography of energy.

Geography and Economic Development: How Strong Is the Link?

How much does a nation’s geography impact its economic development? What difference does access to trade routes make? Tim Marshall argues that, much like the starting hand in a card game, the geography of a region determines its economic development. If it’s dealt a naturally winning hand—filled with natural resources and defensible natural boundaries—it’s likely that it will develop into a stable, successful state. Continue reading to understand the link between geography and economic development.

Examples of Geopolitics: Geography Shapes the World Stage

Why does China seek out Africa’s resources? Why have India and Pakistan wanted control of Kashmir? Why has Korea been colonized and invaded so often? Geography shapes the way that nations interact with each other. Tim Marshall explains that, on the international stage, nations use trade, diplomacy, and military force as they vie for access to geographical bounties—troves of resources, trade routes, and defensive features. Read on to find several examples of geopolitics from Prisoners of Geography.