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Charting the rise of imaginary worlds in history

Author

Listed:
  • Edgar Dubourg

    (PSL)

  • Rayan Safa

    (PSL)

  • Valentin Thouzeau

    (PSL)

  • Nicolas Baumard

    (PSL)

Abstract

Fictions with imaginary worlds such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones or One Piece are achieving global success in industrialized societies. This paper investigates the historical trajectory and psychological underpinnings of this phenomenon. Study 1 (N = 51,169 novels and 50,928 movies) documents a clear increase in the prevalence and centrality of imaginary worlds from antiquity to the modern era. Study 2 demonstrates a historical shift toward imaginary worlds that are increasingly rich in detail, systematically structured, and internally plausible. Study 3 shows that economic development correlates with an increase in the popularity of imaginary worlds more than time does, suggesting that greater material security fosters curiosity and cultural engagement with cohesive imaginary worlds. This body of work illuminates an important aspect of modernity, namely the rise of imaginary worlds, and demonstrates that this could be explained as the results of the rise of curiosity among modern audiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Edgar Dubourg & Rayan Safa & Valentin Thouzeau & Nicolas Baumard, 2025. "Charting the rise of imaginary worlds in history," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04877-x
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04877-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicolas Baumard & Elise Huillery & Alexandre Hyafil & Lou Safra, 2022. "The cultural evolution of love in literary history," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 6(4), pages 506-522, April.
    2. Christopher. A. Kelly & Tali Sharot, 2021. "Individual differences in information-seeking," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Maddison, Angus, 2007. "Contours of the World Economy 1-2030 AD: Essays in Macro-Economic History," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199227204, Decembrie.
    4. Lou Safra & Coralie Chevallier & Julie Grèzes & Nicolas Baumard, 2020. "Tracking historical changes in perceived trustworthiness in Western Europe using machine learning analyses of facial cues in paintings," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-7, December.
    5. Kenji Kobayashi & Silvio Ravaioli & Adrien Baranès & Michael Woodford & Jacqueline Gottlieb, 2019. "Diverse motives for human curiosity," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 3(6), pages 587-595, June.
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