Why Humans Like to Cry

Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Michael Trimble

• Looks at why humans are the only species to have evolved emotional crying
• Explains the physiological, psychological, and biological reasons for crying
• Links this unique aspect of human evolution to the development of language, self-consciousness, and religion
• Considers the influence of the ability for empathy and how the brain allows us to develop theory of mind
• Builds on Nietzsche's ideas about the deep origins of tragedy
• Explores our love of tragedy in art forms and the particular emotional power of music

Why Humans Like to Cry

Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Michael Trimble

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Why Humans Like to Cry

Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Michael Trimble

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Why Humans Like to Cry

Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Michael Trimble

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Why Humans Like to Cry

Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Michael Trimble

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The physiological, psychological, and biological reasons for crying

Are humans the only species to cry for emotional reasons? How are tears linked to human evolution and the development of language, self-consciousness, and religion? Which parts of the brain light up when we cry? How is crying related to empathy and tragedy? Why can some music bring people to tears? Below, you can listen to Michael Trimble talk about the topics raised in his book Why Humans Like to Cry: Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain.

Posted on April 28, 2013

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Why Humans Like to Cry

Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Michael Trimble

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