Fear and Fascination: Why We Love to Be Scared
Episode Overview
Fear's impact on human behaviour and emotional experiences The interconnectedness of fear and attachment Challenging conventional perspectives on fear Exploring the illusory nature of fear and its paradoxical influence Psychological and philosophical insights into the complexity of fear
The river needs to take the risk of entering the ocean because only then will fear disappear.
Ever wondered why people flock to horror movies despite avoiding fear in real life? In this captivating episode of 'Kind Mind', Michael Todd Fink dives into the curious allure of fear. Recorded live at The Homestead in Plano, IL, Fink explores how our fascination with scary stories might actually help us build psychological resilience. Recent studies suggest that horror fans were better prepared and more resilient during the pandemic.
Fink uses gripping examples, like the real-life survival story from 'Dirty John', to illustrate how exposure to fictional fears can prepare us for real-world challenges. Psychologist Karl Albrecht's concept of a 'Feararchy' categorizes different types of fear, while philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti argues that all fears stem from a single root. Fink weaves these perspectives together, offering a thought-provoking look at how ancient instincts still shape our responses today.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the deeper connections between fear, resilience, and human behavior.