The Need and Power of Stories

For the whole history of humanity, stories have been central to our understanding of ourselves. Humans have always been story-making creatures. In the early 20th century, there was reportedly a contest between writers to see who could write the most powerful short story in the fewest amount of words. Ernest Hemingway allegedly won this contest with a story in seven words:
"For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn."

What gives stories the unique power to move us deeply? Are there deep truths we resonate with regardless of scientific or historical accuracy? What makes a story compelling? What are the aspects of a story that make it a good story?

The ethicist Alasdair MacIntyre argues that we cannot understand what we ought to do in the world before first addressing the question, "Of which story am I a part?"

What stories or cultural narratives have particularly shaped our society? And what cultural narratives continue to shape our society?

Some non-required (but helpful) reading:
The Psychology of Storytelling
JRR Tolkien's essay, "On Fairy Stories," on what makes a story good

Come and join in the conversation, meet some thoughtful and friendly people, and share your stories.

Cheers!