No, I'm not talking about nightlife, per se. I'm referring to those social gatherings, whether with family, friends, strangers or all of the above, where we stay up half the night (sometimes all night) talking, telling stories, sharing jokes, recounting personal histories and otherwise communicating. We've all experienced such moments in our lives, surely? It might be when visiting friends or relatives overseas, people you haven't seen in a long time. It could be at someone's house, an after-hours pub, a hostel, a campfire, a hotel lobby, an airport terminal, anywhere humans gather, connect and interact. What is it about the lateness of the hour that triggers such spontaneous and informal exchanges? Or is it because of the surrounding darkness? Could this be a primitive influence? Are we merely continuing an ancient tradition that dates back to early human beings seeking the fireside for comfort and protection in a world wild and untamed? What do you think? Do you have a story to tell?
2006-06-28
11:32:20
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8 answers
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asked by
MacSteed
7
in
Anthropology