Why Humans Like to Cry Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain

Why Humans Like to Cry Tragedy, Evolution, and the Brain by Michael Trimble, published by Oxford University Press on August 8, 2014, is a thought-provoking exploration of the unique human trait of emotional crying. This reprint edition, comprising 242 pages, delves into the reasons behind our propensity to weep not only in response to personal tragedies but also for fictional characters in various art forms, including music and literature. Trimble examines the physiological and evolutionary aspects of crying, linking it to other distinctly human features such as language development, self-consciousness, and empathy.

Readers will find a comprehensive discussion that connects emotional crying to neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, revealing how these scientific insights illuminate our understanding of this complex behavior. The book addresses the evolutionary implications of crying and its relationship to human characteristics like mirror neurons, which explain our tendency to imitate actions and emotions. Trimble’s analysis offers a unique perspective on the origins of artistic tragedy, suggesting that its roots extend further back than traditionally believed, providing a rich context for understanding this enigmatic aspect of humanity.