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In episode 35, the hosts introduce and explore the word neophilia, which means "love of the new." They explain that while the term isn’t widely used in English, it is constructed from Greek roots-philia (brotherly love or affinity) and neo (new). The discussion clarifies that philia words (like audiophile, bibliophile, cinephile) aren’t inherently negative and often describe someone with an above-average passion for something.
Key Points:
- Neophilia Defined:
Neophilia refers to a strong interest in or love for new experiences, objects, or ideas. The hosts note it’s often used to describe older adults who develop an appreciation for novel things later in life, but it can apply to anyone who enjoys newness. - Contrast in Preferences:
The hosts compare their own habits: one prefers new shows, books, and experiences, seeking novelty especially in fiction and art; the other finds comfort in rewatching familiar shows and reading favorite books, valuing predictability and happy endings, especially in entertainment. - Personality and Recreation:
They reflect on how these preferences relate to their personalities and daily lives-one enjoys spontaneous activities in real life but seeks predictability in media, while the other prefers routine in life but novelty in entertainment. - Examples and Anecdotes:
The episode references the animated show "Scavengers Reign" as an example of media that appeals to neophilia by depicting highly original, alien worlds. The hosts also discuss how, as people age, truly new experiences become rarer, making novel art or fiction especially appealing. Other works of fiction are discussed such as The Southern Reach Trilogy and Annihilation as well as other works that one hose finds familiar and comforting like The Office, Gilmore Girls, and The Matrix. - Broader Application:
While neophilia is sometimes associated with older adults, the hosts clarify it can describe anyone’s love of new things, whether a child trying new foods or an adult seeking out new experiences.
Conclusion:
The episode uses neophilia as a lens to examine how people differ in their attraction to novelty versus familiarity, both in daily life and in entertainment, and how these tendencies may shift with age or personality.
You can find the can artwork of Wicked Weed Brewing's Pernicious IPA here.
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Any views expressed on this podcast are those solely of the hosts and is for entertainment purposes only. None of the content is medical advice or financial advice.
Special thanks to Tim Wright aka CoLD SToRAGE for his permission to use the song Operatique.
