Jonathan Gottschall
When it comes to understanding the medium of literature, few authors and scholars can match the work of Jonathan Gottschall. Don't just take our word for it—Writer’s Digest magazine recently named Gottschall one of the “Beyond Brilliant Authors,” and one of the most influential people in the world of literature.
Gottschall has gained acclaim for his insightful approach to tackling complex and fascinating literary topics. Born on January 2, 1971, Gottschall graduated from Pennsylvania State University with degrees in English, history, and journalism. His creative approach to approaching various topics has made him a sought-after figure in the literary world; he has been a frequent lecturer at various institutions and events.
In 2009, Gottschall became associate professor of humanities at Washington & Jefferson College. He is the author of the critically-acclaimed books The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human (2012) and The Professor in the Cage: Why Men Fight and Why We Like to Watch (2015). With these works, Gottschall has shone a light on the powerful influence of stories and their ability to shape our identities, as well as our beliefs and values.
The Storytelling Animal takes a close look at how stories shape us as people and how they can be used to better understand our lives. Through interviews, case studies, and scholarly research, the book shows why stories are powerful and how they affect us both individually and collectively. He argues that our lives are full of narrative, and that the stories we tell ourselves everyday—whether consciously or unconsciously—influence the way we think, feel, act, and make decisions.
In The Professor in the Cage, Gottschall delves into the physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of fighting sports. He has a knack for dissecting this subject matter into digestible sections, making the book approachable. Written in a conversational tone, the book uses anecdotes, historical facts, and personal stories from fighters to show the allure of combat sports. Additionally, it looks at the evolutionary psychology of fighting, the cultural forces that draw people towards it, and examines its nature-versus-nurture debate.
Gottschall is also the co-founder of the Literary Martial Arts Association, a social scientific inquiry into the common elements of diverse literary activities. He has written thought-provoking articles on a variety of topics, such as risk-taking in combat sports, how fiction affects our sense of identity, and why stories matter. Additionally, Gottschall contributes to Wired, The New York Times, Salon, and other outlets.
In addition to his literary career, Gottschall is also an experienced boxer. He is a two-time champion of the national Literary Warriors organization, and he was a finalist in the Golden Glove boxing tournament in Pennsylvania. Gottschall also practices mixed-martial arts on a regular basis, where he has gained a fierce and loyal following.
It is clear that Jonathan Gottschall is an exciting and inspiring figure in the literary world. His innovative approach to exploring various topics has resulted in a wide range of works that challenge, inspire, and entertain audiences. He is sure to be an important figure in the world of literature for years to come.
