Primal Intelligence with Angus Fletcher
What do Shakespeare, Hollywood storytelling, and military special operations share? They all excel at creating new plans or improvising when facing radical uncertainty.
Angus Fletcher, professor of story science, explains to EconTalk’s Russ Roberts that intelligence has been misunderstood. Instead of focusing solely on data-driven reasoning, Fletcher highlights what he calls "primal intelligence"—the uniquely human ability to think and plan amid incomplete information.
The Role of Narrative in Human Intelligence
Drawing from his experience in Hollywood and with elite military operators, Fletcher argues that narratives go beyond mere entertainment; they form the foundation of human intelligence.
"Military special operations personnel need to create new plans on the fly, Shakespeare remains profoundly relevant to modern problem-solving, and reading challenging literature literally rewires your brain for greater adaptability."
Fletcher’s insights reveal the importance of adaptability and creativity when confronting uncertainty, showing how storytelling shapes our problem-solving skills.
Author's Summary
Angus Fletcher emphasizes that primal intelligence, rooted in storytelling and creative planning, is essential for adapting and solving problems in uncertain environments.
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