Be A Storyteller

As a society, we are bombarded daily with information that is very carefully crafted to influence us – not always accurate, not always honest, and not always positive or productive.  The intent may be to convert us, confuse us, or merely overpower us, but it’s a 24/7/365 campaign.  This mind massaging is termed “propaganda” by the military; in civilian society, “PR” or “education.”

This campaign is conducted by professionals, experts who are highly-skilled at influencing our thoughts and opinions via the mass media, the education industry, the advertising industry, the arts, the entertainment industry, etc. – in short, everything we see and hear.  They’re storytellers.  Throughout history, storytellers have wielded tremendous influence over their audiences.  Sadly,  that influence can be, and often is, used not for good purposes, but bad.  Not everyone in these fields is intentionally inaccurate, or dishonest, or negative or counterproductive to our better nature, a more civil society, or even our Republic.  But far too many are -- and they’re very, very good at spinning their tales to masquerade as truth.  Problem is, a deliberate untruth remains a lie, a poison.  And as New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker Matthew Kelly reminds us, if you wish to poison a nation, poison the stories it listens to. 

The good news is, you can be a storyteller, too.  More good news: you don’t need to “spin” your stories; just tell the truth.  Yet more good news: you have no need to convince your audiences; truth speaks for itself (we need merely give it voice).  Even more good news: you don’t need to outshout or out-argue the “spinner” – just outmaneuver him with honesty, facts – and stories.  Look at Jesus, Gandhi, MLK: some of the greatest figures in history, they did exactly that; they were totally non-violent, and taught through their own example and by using honesty, facts, and stories.  Indeed, the Gospels are predominantly stories and parables. 

You can be the kind of storyteller who doesn’t hide the truth, or discourage free inquiry, or push a lie (or needs to).  No, you can be the kind of storyteller who always deals in the truth, warts and all, who encourages free inquiry, and who challenges lies and distortions.  And it’s so simple: All you need to do is:  Be the example, i.e., live the Golden Rule -- in today’s vernacular, “walk the talk."