The Puzzle Instinct: The Meaning of Puzzles in Human Life - Hardcover

Danesi, Marcel

  • 3.27 out of 5 stars
    45 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780253340948: The Puzzle Instinct: The Meaning of Puzzles in Human Life
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0253340942 ISBN 13: 9780253340948
Publisher: Indiana University Press, 2002

Synopsis

One of the most famous anagrams of all time was constructed in the Middle Ages. The unknown author contrived it as a Latin dialogue between Pilate and Jesus. Jesus’ answer to Pilate’s question "What is truth" is phrased as an ingenious anagram of the letters of that very question: Pilate: Quid est veritas? ("What is truth?") Jesus: Est virqui adest. ("It is the man before you.")

The origin of anagrams is shrouded in mystery. One thing is clear, however―in the ancient world, they were thought to contain hidden messages from the gods. Legend has it that even Alexander the Great (356–323 b.c.) believed in their prophetic power.
―from Chapter Two

The most obvious explanation for the popularity of puzzles is that they provide a form of constructive entertainment. But in The Puzzle Instinct Marcel Danesi contends that the fascination with puzzles throughout the ages suggests something much more profound. Puzzles serve a deeply embedded need in people to make sense of things. Emerging at the same time in human history as myth, magic, and the occult arts, the puzzle instinct, he claims, led to discoveries in mathematics and science, as well as revolutions in philosophical thought.

Puzzles fill an existential void by providing "small-scale experiences of the large-scale questions that Life poses. The puzzle instinct is, arguably, as intrinsic to human nature as is humor, language, art, music, and all the other creative faculties that distinguish humanity from all other species."

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

Marcel Danesi is Professor of Semiotics and Anthropology at the University of Toronto and Director of the Program in Semiotics and Communication Theory. His books include Increase Your Puzzle IQ and Of Cigarettes, High Heels, and Other Interesting Things: An Introduction to Semiotics. He lives in Toronto.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Indiana University Press
Publication date
2002
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0253340942
ISBN 13 
9780253340948
Binding
Hardcover
Edition number
1
Number of pages
288
Rating
  • 3.27 out of 5 stars
    45 ratings by Goodreads

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780253217080: The Puzzle Instinct: The Meaning of Puzzles in Human Life

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0253217083 ISBN 13:  9780253217080
Publisher: Indiana University Press, 2004
Softcover