Exploring Connection Through Books and Dystopia
Brandi Hawk discusses the intersection of psychology and literature.
In a recent conversation, Brandi Hawk shared her insights on the profound connection between psychology and literature, particularly in the realm of dystopian fiction.
The Joy of Diverse Conversations
Brandi, who recently embarked on the second season of her podcast, emphasized that the theme of her discussions is connection. "I think the common thread is that like everybody has something interesting to say," she noted, highlighting the fascinating insights gained from various guests ranging from artists to business leaders.
Walking Out of the Box
Brandi's journey into podcasting stemmed from her love for both psychology and literature. "I love teaching people about psychology. I love talking about books. Why don’t we just do both?" she said, illustrating how she melded her passions into a single platform.
The Allure of Dystopian Narratives
Delving deeper into her love for dystopian fiction, Brandi recounted how her high school English teacher introduced her to The Handmaid's Tale. "It literally blew my mind. I was just like, No way this is terrifying and also just doesn't feel that far from the realm of possibility," she reflected.
Brandi believes that these narratives are essential for understanding the consequences of our current decisions. "What if we take one decision in our current world and we just ran with that decision?" she asked, demonstrating her belief in the power of literature to reflect real-world issues.
Cognitive Dissonance and Belief Perseverance
A significant part of the discussion revolved around psychological concepts such as cognitive dissonance and belief perseverance. Brandi explained, "When you have a belief, it becomes part of how you view yourself. It's hard to take a step back and say, I'm this person over here who also believes this thing."
She emphasized that when individuals face information that contradicts their beliefs, it often feels like a personal attack. "It's not just information; it’s calling me bad. And that's too much for our bodies to handle," she noted, shedding light on the complexities of human psychology.
Embracing Complexity
The conversation concluded with a reflection on the challenges of understanding shades of gray in beliefs. Brandi shared her personal journey, stating, "Most teenagers live in black and white. It’s very hard for any of us as adolescents to truly understand shades of gray."
As we navigate these complex interactions, Brandi's insights remind us of the value of embracing diversity in thoughts and beliefs.
For a deeper dive into these thought-provoking themes, listen to the full episode of the podcast, where Brandi and Christian explore the intricate ties between psychology and literature.