Ideas Why we can’t live without the universal feeling of disgust
May 29, 2025
Join David Pizarro, a psychology professor at Cornell, along with Paul Rosin, the renowned 'godfather of disgust studies,' and Senthoran Raj, an Associate Professor of Human Rights Law. They delve into the complex emotion of disgust, tracing its evolutionary roots and its influence on culture, politics, and morality. The discussion reveals how disgust shapes our identities and societal norms, the irony of our dietary choices, and its darker use in dehumanization and law. Get ready for an intriguing exploration of why disgust is both essential and perilous!
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Overcome Disgust Through Exposure
- Exposure is the most effective way to overcome disgust.
- People eventually accept previously disgusting things when forced to rely on them.
Universal Expression of Disgust
- The facial expression of disgust is universal, involving a scrunched nose and raised upper lip.
- This suggests disgust is an innate, cross-cultural human emotion.
Chimpanzees Exhibit Disgust Aversion
- Chimpanzees avoid touching soft, wet substrates associated with bacteria, similar to human disgust.
- This tactile aversion suggests disgust is shared beyond humans in some animals.
