How Stories Last | Neil Gaiman
Long Now Foundation・2 minutes read
Stories, like trees, can live for thousands of years, containing valuable information passed down through generations, shaping human understanding and behavior. They offer escape, knowledge, and tools to navigate life's challenges, underscoring the significance of storytelling in human existence and evolution.
Insights
- Stories, akin to trees, have the capacity to endure for millennia, carrying invaluable knowledge across generations and evolving over time to adapt to changing contexts while maintaining their core essence.
- The act of storytelling is deeply intertwined with human existence, offering a blend of escapism, knowledge dissemination, and a framework for understanding life's complexities, with narratives acting as a bridge that connects individuals across time and space, shaping collective understanding and behavior.
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Recent questions
Why are stories important?
Stories are crucial for transmitting information and making sense of life. They offer escape, knowledge, and tools to navigate challenges, shaping human understanding and behavior.
What is the significance of storytelling in human existence?
Storytelling plays a significant role in human existence by preserving knowledge and passing it on through generations. It shapes understanding and behavior, offering a means to transcend individuality and communicate vital information over time.
How do stories evolve and adapt?
Stories evolve and adapt across different mediums, intertwining oral and written traditions. Creators imagine and pass on stories, with details changing as they are shared, showcasing the longevity and evolution of narratives.
What tools aid in storytelling?
Similes and metaphors are essential tools in storytelling, helping in understanding and appreciating narratives. They enhance the storytelling experience by creating vivid imagery and emotional connections for the audience.
How do stories offer truth despite being lies?
Stories are inherently lies, but they offer a truth that allows individuals to immerse themselves in different realities. Despite knowing they are being lied to, the act of reading or listening to a story provides a genuine escape and imparts valuable knowledge.
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