The Hidden Power of Writers: How Changing Stories Can Transform Society’s Soul

THE RECKLESS WRITER

Our stories forge our reality, so the last thing you want to do is be realistic. Creative people have an obligation to imagine a better future. In our dreams, everything is possible, and the moment we forget that, we consign ourselves to misery.

Words are more powerful than even writers realize. I’ve spent the last half decade writing and reading stories to my children. We’ve shared many fantastic adventures together from the comfort of their room.

Those stories have become shared memories that are as real as any other memory. Sometimes during car trips or at dinner, one of my girls will recall a moment and we’ll all be transported back to that memory together.

In the stories I write for them, I always try to convey a world where people treat each other with compassion. In the world of our imagination, education is respected, and expertise is revered.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could inhabit a world like that? Such a thing is certainly within our grasp, we just have to allow ourselves to think it’s possible.

Our cultural narrative needs some editing

In our real lives, whenever we have a problem we seek out the advice of accomplished people. Experts are derided in the quiet moments, but when a problem arises we run to them. We look to individuals who are knowledgeable and who have dedicated their time to finding solutions. We’re desperate to seek out those that know how to alleviate our pain.

But when we’re not confronted with an imminent need, we treat the concept of study with disrespect. Why do we insist on behaving with such immaturity?

In the stories I write for my children, respect and accountability are as prominent as the main characters. Teachers, doctors, scientists and academics are revered. Bullies, liars, and cheats are opposed.