The Evolutionary Roots of Fiction: Why Humans Are Compelled to Tell-and Consume-Stories
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A fundamental human drive to experience fictional narratives isn’t a modern phenomenon,but rather a deeply ingrained trait shaped by millennia of evolution. Researchers are now turning to evolutionary theory to understand why Homo sapiens have such a global and enduring appetite for stories, from ancient myths to contemporary video games.
For nearly 99% of our 300,000-year history as a species, formal written narratives didn’t exist. The earliest evidence of writing dates back roughly 6,000 years. This raises a critical question: if written fiction is relatively recent, where did our inherent love of storytelling originate? The answer, experts suggest, lies in the adaptive benefits that fictional engagement provided to our ancestors.
The science of Make-Believe
A new wave of scientific inquiry, spearheaded by researchers like Valentin Thouzeau, a researcher in data science applied to cultural studies at Université Paris Sciences Lettres, and Edgar Dubourg, a cognitive scientist at the École normale supérieure and researcher at the Institut Curie, is attempting to scientifically dissect this interest.Dubourg, author of the forthcoming book Histoire naturelle de la fiction (Natural History of Fiction), posits that our attraction to fiction isn’t merely a byproduct of leisure, but a crucial component of human cognitive advancement.
“We’ve been telling each other stories since the dawn of time,” one researcher explained, “and that’s no accident.” These narratives served vital functions, allowing early humans to simulate real-world scenarios, test strategies, and learn from the experiences of others-all without facing the immediate dangers of actual life-or-death situations.
Exploring Imaginary Worlds and Their Real-World Benefits
The appeal of fiction extends beyond simple entertainment. Studies suggest that engaging with fictional worlds can enhance empathy, improve problem-solving skills, and even foster social cohesion. The popularity of immersive experiences like Dungeons & Dragons, explored in a 2024 discussion featuring Dubourg and Thouzeau, demonstrates the human desire to actively participate in the creation and exploration of imagined realities.
This trend is further highlighted by the increasing popularity of fictional worlds, as noted in a 2023 The Conversation article asking, “Pourquoi les mondes imaginaires sont-ils de plus en plus populaires?” (Why are imaginary worlds becoming increasingly popular?). The article suggests that in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, fictional narratives offer a sense of control, meaning, and escape.
The Future of fiction Research
dubourg’s Histoire naturelle de la fiction, scheduled for release in 2025, promises a comprehensive exploration of the cognitive and evolutionary underpinnings of our fictional inclinations. A 2025 review of the book in Le monde anticipates a groundbreaking contribution to our understanding of the human mind.
The inquiry into our enduring relationship with fiction is ongoing, fueled by a growing recognition that stories aren’t simply diversions, but fundamental to what makes us human.
Exploring imaginary worlds in D&D, with Edgar Dubourg and Valentin Thouzeau (2024)
pourquoi les mondes imaginaires sont-ils de plus en plus populaires? (The Conversation, 2023)
The musical selections accompanying this report include “Fiction” by The xx, “Goca dünya” by Altin Gün, and “Pingpxng” by Yin Yin.
