When we understand the nature and power of stories, we lose interest in arguments about the differences between fact, fiction, and possibility. Everything we call true, false, and possible is a story we tell ourselves.
Stories can be more powerful than fact or fiction. A completely fictitious story can hold more truth than a completely factual story. A completely fictitious story can be more credible to some people than a completely factual story. A story of possibility can hold more truth than any factual or fictitious story.
As long as we believe that a story carries a truth, it informs the beliefs we hold that give shape to our choices. A story can present all kinds of facts, fictions, and possibilities, but as long as it presents a truth, it inspires who we are and what we do.
Stories have power to shape our beliefs and choices regardless of how supported they are by data or consensus.
We can derive more truths from a story we call a fiction than in inches of statistics. We can be more inspired by the stories expressed in our dreams than in mountains of data. Stories don’t derive their power from facts or approval; their power is rooted in their ability to evoke credible truths.
Everything in science, religion, culture, and the arts is a story we tell ourselves. Every conclusion, bias and perception we have about our world is a story we tell ourselves. All of history and each of our dreams is a story we tell ourselves. Every emotion we incarnate is a story we tell ourselves. Every speculation we construct is a story we tell ourselves.
When we understand the nature and power of stories, we understand that all experience is narrative.
~ an excerpt from notes for my 8th book project just launched on the power of stories
10-time author and designer with a focus on change in organizations and communities. HappinessChoice.com. Contact Jack at jack(at)happinesschoice(dot)com