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Why do we feel nostalgia? - Clay Routledge

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Nostalgia was once considered an illness confined to specific groups of people. Today, people all over the world report experiencing and enjoying nostalgia. But how does nostalgia work? And is it healthy? Clay Routledge details the way our understanding of nostalgia has changed since the term was first coined in the late 17th century.

How scholars conceptualize nostalgia has changed over the centuries. What factors explain these changing views on nostalgia?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Clay Routledge
  • Director Anton Bogaty
  • Animator Anton Bogaty
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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