The Science of Our Passion for the Peculiar
Why is it that we sometimes suddenly feel an intense passion about a certain object or topic? I mean, it’s quite logical that we feel emotions. It has proven extremely beneficial to us to feel scared when someone seems dangerous; and my guess is that our species’ survival depends on the feeling of overjoy and euphoria for the marvelous little baby in our arms – even though that same creature tormented us all night with screams, and only let us sleep for like an hour. If we never got those moments of unconditional love for the little monsters, the human species would probably be extinct. But why geeking out?
It’s a curious thing, isn’t it? One minute, you’re minding your own business, perhaps sipping a cup of coffee, and the next thing you know, you’ve spiraled into a rabbit hole about the architecture of Middle Earth, the intricate backstory of your favorite superhero, or the ins-and-outs of a certain fantasy universe’s magical system. You know the feeling – you’re “geeking out”, and, for whatever reason, it feels like something you need to do. And it’s not just an idle pastime either. Geeking out isn’t a simple hobby. It’s an emotional investment, a burning passion that seems to demand our focus and energy. But why?
The Brain Behind the Geek-Out: Passion as a Survival Tool
Let’s get a little technical for a moment. Why are we wired to “geek out”? Well, consider that throughout human history, our survival has hinged on our ability to focus intensely. This kind of hyper-focus might sound a little extreme when you’re talking about the latest episode of Stranger Things or memorizing every line from Star Wars, but hear me out. When early humans had to track prey or stay alert for predators, sharp focus wasn’t just helpful; it was necessary. The brain, in its infinite wisdom, probably discovered that single-minded obsession can be a powerful tool in ensuring survival.
Think of a hunter in the wild: to catch prey, they need to hone in on every little detail—the rustle of leaves, the angle of the wind, the movement of shadows. Similarly, our ancestors’ survival depended on their ability to focus obsessively on one thing, blocking out distractions. It’s a kind of tunnel vision that’s evolved to help us survive. Now, this may not help much when you’re late for work and your phone refuses to stop sending you notifications, but when it comes to geeking out — well, this laser-like concentration helps us dig deeper, learn more, and retain knowledge in a way that makes us feel like we’ve tapped into something both profound and incredibly energizing.
The Power of Passion: Focus, Flow, and the Human Condition
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Okay, fine, I see how paying close attention to something could have been useful in the past, but why do I feel like my life is incomplete without knowing all the specifics of Brandon Sandersons Cosmere?” Well, that’s where the concept of flow comes in.
In psychology, “flow” refers to a mental state in which a person is fully immersed in an activity, experiencing a sense of energized focus and enjoyment. It’s the feeling you get when you’re completely absorbed in a project, a hobby, or even a long binge-watching session of your favorite show. During these moments, time seems to evaporate; your brain is fully engaged, and you’re doing something just for the pure joy of it.
This isn’t just a coincidence. The brain, when in a state of flow, releases a cocktail of neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—that not only enhance our focus and creativity, but also give us a little rush of pleasure. In other words, geeking out feels good because it taps into a brain chemistry designed to reward us for being passionate about something. Whether it’s building the perfect Lego castle, playing a video game for hours on end, or reading every fan theory about your favorite fantasy saga, our brains are saying, “Good job! Keep doing that!”
The Geek Gene: Evolution and Specialization
But let’s go back to evolution for a second. Is it possible that geeking out isn’t a byproduct of modern life, but actually a crucial part of how humans have evolved? I’m not talking about the idea that your obsessive love for Star Trek is going to lead to some genetic mutation, but rather that our ability to focus on niche interests and dive deep into subjects has had evolutionary benefits.
Think about the way specialized knowledge works in nature. In the animal kingdom, certain species thrive because of specialized abilities — think of the predator that can track prey for days, or the bird that can recognize and remember the precise songs of different species. Similarly, humans have used our ability to specialize in certain topics (even seemingly trivial ones) to push the boundaries of knowledge and solve complex problems. In fact, much of human progress has been due to individuals or small groups who became intensely knowledgeable about a specific subject and dedicated their lives to it.
Take, for instance, the scientists and inventors who revolutionized industries. Their expertise in specific areas, whether it was in physics, engineering, or biology, allowed them to focus on discovering new principles and solutions that we take for granted today. In this light, perhaps geeking out isn’t just something we do for fun; it’s a behavior that nurtures our ability to specialize, to concentrate deeply, and to innovate.
Of course, you might be wondering, “But what about all the really niche stuff, like collecting rare Star Wars action figures, or learning to speak klingon fluently” Well, this kind of “niche geeking out” might seem trivial, but there’s a theory here too: specialization. The more a person dives deep into a specific interest, the more they bring new ideas to the table, leading to innovation and creativity that might not have emerged otherwise. So, in a sense, your love for obscure facts about -90s cartoons or the intricate world-building of Game of Thrones might just be contributing to the larger pool of human creativity.
Geeking Out and Social Connection
Another important aspect of geeking out is its power to foster connection. In a world where we often feel disconnected or isolated, geeking out gives us a shared language. Whether you’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, anime, or the MCU, the moment you meet someone who shares that same passion, there’s an instant bond. It’s like finding your tribe, and that sense of belonging is powerful.
Why do we crave this connection? From an evolutionary perspective, humans are social creatures. Historically, being part of a group meant safety, security, and greater chances of survival. Our tendency to form communities around common interests—whether those interests are about comic books, video games, or obscure history—can be seen as a modern extension of that survival mechanism. The very act of geeking out provides social glue, making us feel part of something larger than ourselves, and that, too, can have real psychological and evolutionary benefits.
The Joy of Being Fully Engaged
And then there’s the simple joy of being fully engaged in something. In a world that often feels frantic and overwhelming, geeking out offers a reprieve. It allows us to step away from the stress of daily life and focus entirely on something that captivates us. Whether it’s reading a book, playing a game, or even building a model, it provides a mental break that refreshes our spirits. And let’s be honest: who doesn’t need a little escape now and then?
We live in an age where everything moves fast—too fast sometimes. But geeking out is an act of intentional slowing down. It’s saying, “I’m going to dedicate my time and energy to this thing because it brings me joy, and that’s enough.” In an era obsessed with productivity, that’s a radical act.
Conclusion: Geeking Out Is More Than Just Fun
So, why do we geek out? Well, the answer is multifaceted. Geeking out taps into our brain’s need for focus, passion, and reward. It connects us to others in meaningful ways and may even have evolutionary roots that helped our ancestors survive. It’s a behavior that not only brings joy but also nurtures creativity, learning, and innovation. So the next time you lose yourself in a topic you love, do not feel guilty about it. In fact, consider it part of your evolutionary legacy — your brain’s way of keeping you sharp, connected, and engaged with the world around you.
And if all else fails, just remember: you’re not wasting time. You’re contributing to the great geeky progress of humanity.
You’re welcome, world.
