The Power Of Stories

Stories are good. 

Obviously. 

Stories are fun to watch at the movies, and are usually even better between the covers of a book. You may be thinking: I know this! And for that, I’m glad. Really. I think far too many have lost faith in the power of storytelling. I fear far too many think a story can only be told from the confines of a screen. 

This is not true! you cry in dismay? 

Huh. I concur.

In fact, I would even go so far as to say that storytelling in its literary form is the most potent of them all. Which is to say I’m here today to ramble on about why I believe storytelling as the most important of all art forms. And you’re here to nod your head and yell aloud “hear! hear!” from time to time. 

On the same page? 

Brilliant. 

Let me begin by saying that stories are at the heart of humanity, and of that there can be absolutely no doubt. 

You also agree? You say your little thing?

I believe stories breathe purpose into our lives, and are a huge part of the reason to continue doing what we do day after day, although many may not even realize it. 

I think stories are the reward we get for our tireless work, and the release that allows us to gather the courage to head back to the office those headache filled Monday mornings. Stories have inspired entire peoples, they have sparked revolutions, but more importantly they have captured the very nature of what it means to be human. The purpose of life is a heavily argued topic (we’re going deep here guys) but I think most can agree there is no point if not to enjoy. And at the heart of all enjoyment is the art of storytelling. 

*Distant ‘hear! hear!’*

Nice. 

An art enjoyed between the cover of a book, or between the lines of a painting, or even the beat of a drum is all at heart a story being told. 

Everything in this world has a story, and it is perhaps that very reason that gives each tale such power. We know our own stories so well, that we pay to go and see the stories of others. Some of them give us perspective, some teach us things, and some of them are just really really terrible. But they are all versions of some other life.

Even the first humans to stand painted their lives on cave walls, despite the fact doing so did nothing for their survival. There was no logical reason for them to write their histories, so why do it? Because it is human nature to chase and tell stories. I would even argue that storytelling is among the oldest professions in humanities entire timeline. 

I believe storytelling is a human instinct just like any other. Humans crave water, food and sleep, just as we crave fables. Because the power of storytelling goes deeper than just simple entertainment, though I fear so many see only the cheap laughs and not the deeper meaning beyond some of todays masterworks. And there are many. 

Without even realizing it people look to stories for inspiration, for guidance, for comfort and even peace. Storytelling is humanities mechanism for coping with the insanity that is our lives, and it is the rock that keeps us tethered to the land of life. 

*Passionate ‘hear! hear! ‘ing*

I’m going to finish with a thought, and just for a moment, I want you to actually think about it. Deep down. 

*Hear? Hear?*

Can you imagine anything more frightening than a world without stories?