Imagine all human beings swept off the face of the earth, excepting one man. Imagine this man in some vast city, New York or London. Imagine him on the third or fourth day of his solitude sitting in a house and hearing a ring at the door-bell.
The above text by Thomas Bailey Aldrich tells how quickly we can connect to a story and the effect that it creates in our minds, once we feel connected. And the most interesting thing is that the stories have a far longer and deeper impact on us than anything told to us directly. The inherent message being conveyed in any story, interpreted by the readers or the audience, gives a strong reason to believe or disbelieve anything.
Stories change our ideologies, our opinions and our perspective towards everything. When we hear a story, we understand a situation from an outside perspective as well as from the point of view of the narrator and the characters. The details provided in the story not only entertain us but also help us to become a part of it. No matter what medium we are using to narrate a story – whether it’s through a book, a movie or a mother telling a bedtime story to her baby – the stories always influence, though the effect can vary from person to person. Some enjoy reading the stories while others feel entertained by hearing them or watching them on screen. And these stories are not always from the outside world but also about us – unfolding our own identity. Biologically we are a part our family right from the birth, but we feel more emotionally connected to our family members when they tell us the story of our family. What our ancestors did, how our parents lived their lives, what we did when we were small – all these stories help us to connect to the family in a much better way.
Abraham Lincoln once quoted – “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”
Stories help us to understand people. Once we hear their stories, we start liking them. People often wonder how they forget the lessons of their teachers and other facts when they can remember everything about their favorite stories. Well, that is the power of a story. A well narrated story takes you to a different world and makes you experience a new life, something that you can only feel in your dreams. And the learning that occurs through a story is the most wonderful form of education. It gives you knowledge, satisfaction and happiness – all at the same time.
The stories therefore remain a powerful source of bringing the change. What we think is reflected in our actions and our actions eventually determine everything. Stories directly influence our thoughts and are responsible for our actions and therefore fate. Being a story teller I feel proud and equally obliged to bring that change. You will not remain here forever, but your stories will. Make sure your story is worth telling, even when you are gone.
Deepak Rana 