Humans have been telling stories for tens of thousands of years—in fact, we were telling stories before we were able to read or write. Experts believe we are natural storytellers with a need to communicate in this unique way. From the stories we see in movies and books today to the stories carved on ancient tablets, storytelling is timelessly powerful. Harold Goddard, author and former English professor, once said: “The destiny of the world is determined less by the battles that are lost and won than by the stories it loves and believes in.” Here are a few reasons why stories are an important part of humanity.
Connection
Storytelling is a part of every culture and key in how we connect with one another. The stories we tell share pleasures, sorrow, fear, and hardships, which all capture the attention and empathy of others. Empathy, of course, creates a connection between the storyteller and the audience. Additionally, whenever we hear a great story, we typically have a desire to share it with others and more connections are then created. Stories bring us together as we find common ground.
Understanding
When we hear a story, our imaginations are activated; our reality then becomes the reality of the storyteller. As we put ourselves into someone else’s shoes, we live their experiences and gain an understanding of their perspective. The understanding we obtain from a story is strongly tied to the connection we experience with the storyteller. The more we empathize with and understand the storyteller, the more we feel a connection.
World Perspective
Everyone has a different perspective. Two people can experience the same thing, yet their perspectives will be different. Our perception of the world is shaped by the stories we hear and also by the stories we tell. Stories help us make sense of the world and grasp what really matters.
Knowledge and Morals
Stories are used to transfer knowledge and morals across generations. From stories, we learn right from wrong, natural consequences, and what is socially acceptable. Storytelling is an engaging way to share crucial information with others. Many studies have shown learning to be more effective when stories are involved, so teaching morals and acceptable behavior through story is impactful.
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Storytelling is a fundamental part of what makes us human. Stories connect us to each other and teach us important things. We believe storytelling is a powerful way to Leave Your Mark. Find the right book for you to keep track of every detail in our collection of journals and notebooks here.
