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Articles (2)

The Narrative Identity: How You Literally Story Yourself Into Being

Topic: Literature (ideas, not reviews) Published: Jan 21, 2026 Read time: 3 min
You aren't just a person who tells stories—you are, in a very real sense, the story you tell about yourself. Narrative identity theory reveals how we construct our sense of self through an internal life story, complete with themes, turning points, and character arcs.

The Sweet Spot of Surprise: Why Music Works by Playing with Your Expectations

Topic: Music (conceptual, not technical) Published: Jan 20, 2026 Read time: 3 min
Music creates pleasure not just through beautiful sounds, but by constantly predicting what comes next and then either confirming or cleverly violating those predictions. Understanding this expectation-play reveals why certain songs give us chills and why unfamiliar music can sound 'wrong.'