In 'The Professor in the Cage,' Jonathan Gottschall dives into the primal world of mixed martial arts, blending personal exploration with scientific inquiry. As a professor of English, he seeks to understand the raw nature of violence and competition through firsthand experience in the cage. With each fight, he confronts his own fears, physical limitations, and societal perceptions of masculinity. Gottschall's narrative challenges readers to consider the complexities of human nature and the cultural significance of combat. This thought-provoking journey raises questions about the roles we play in our own battles—both in and out of the ring.
By Jonathan Gottschall
Published: 2016
"In the arena of life and combat, we discover not only the limits of our physical selves but the depths of our spirits."
"When a mixed martial arts (MMA) gym moves in across the street from his office, Jonathan Gottschall sees a challenge, and an opportunity. Pushing forty, out of shape, and disenchanted with his job as an adjunct English professor, part of him yearns to cross the street and join up. The other part is terrified. Gottschall eventually works up his nerve, and starts training for a real cage fight. He's fighting not only as a personal test but also to answer questions that have intrigued him for years: Why do men fight? And why do so many seemingly decent people like to watch?"--Amazon.com.
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“In the arena of life and combat, we discover not only the limits of our physical selves but the depths of our spirits.”
The Professor in the Cage
By Jonathan Gottschall
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jonathan Gottschall is an acclaimed author and scholar known for his interdisciplinary approach to literature and science. He is the author of notable works, including 'The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human', 'The Professor in the Cage: Why Men Fight and Why We Like to Watch', and 'Literary Darwinism'. Gottschall's writing often explores the intersection of narrative and biology, employing a blend of storytelling and rigorous academic analysis to illuminate how and why narratives shape human experience. With a compelling and accessible style, he engages readers in profound questions about life, culture, and the power of stories.
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