"Imaginary Realities argues that humanity's greatest strength-and weakness-is our tendency to live inside shared fictions. Drawing on psychology, history, and contemporary life, Jeffrey Arnett shows how our narrative "delusions" give meaning and beauty to human existence, while also fueling extremism, conspiracy, and political chaos. At a moment when technology is erasing the line between truth and fiction, this book reveals why our realities are fragmenting-and what might still be done about it. This is a timely and important book." -- Jonathan Gottschall, Distinguished Fellow, Washington & Jefferson College"Imaginary Realities argues that humanity's greatest strength-and weakness-is our tendency to live inside shared fictions. Drawing on psychology, history, and contemporary life, Jeffrey Arnett shows how our narrative "delusions" give meaning and beauty to human existence, while also fueling extremism, conspiracy, and political chaos. At a moment when technology is erasing the line between truth and fiction, this book reveals why our realities are fragmenting-and what might still be done about it. This is a timely and important book.

" -- Jonathan Gottschall, Distinguished Fellow, Washington & Jefferson College.