Part 10/18:
A recurring theme is that emotions act as data compression mechanisms in human cognition. Recognizing fear, hope, or resilience in a character allows individuals to internalize profound lessons efficiently. For instance, experiencing a character's fear or resolve during a crisis creates an embodied understanding of concepts like security, sovereignty, or risk.
The analogy extends to how stories activate neural and bodily responses, making abstract ideas tangible. Observing figures like Darwin confronting a cobra reveals how deeply embedded automatic responses—like recoil—are biologically encoded, not subject to rational override at that moment. This insight underscores the importance of emotional and instinctual understanding in learning complex truths.