Jane on the Brain

Exploring the Science of Social Intelligence with Jane Austen

By: Wendy Jones

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Why is Jane Austen so phenomenally popular? Why do we go back to Pride and Prejudice again and again? Why do we delight in Emma's mischievous schemes? Why do we care that Anne Elliot of Persuasion suffers?

We care because it is our biological destiny to be interested in people and their stories - the human brain is a social brain. And Austen's characters are so believable, that for many of us, they are not just imaginary beings, but friends whom we know and love. And thanks to Austen's ability to capture the breadth and depth of human psychology so thoroughly, we feel that she empathizes with us, her readers and listeners.

Humans have a profound need for empathy, to know that we are not alone with our joys and sorrows. And then there is attachment, denial, narcissism, and of course, love, to name a few. We see ourselves and others reflected in Austen's work.

Social intelligence is one of the most highly developed human traits when compared with other animals. How did is evolve? Why is it so valuable? Wendy Jones explores the many facets of social intelligence and juxtaposes them with the Austen canon.

©2017 Wendy Jones (P)2017 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Wonderful-fascinating study of Austen's insight.

Wendy Jones presents a complex and unique viewpoint of Jane Austen's work which includes in depth science about the Austen's ability to understand and convey human behavior. I've listened to this book 3 times and will easily go for a 4th time since I absorb something new with each listening.