Why Do We Tell Stories

Why do we tell stories?

Why are so many of us consumed by the events taking place in fictional lives on television?

It seems as if human beings have often listened to stories, whether around prehistoric campfires or in front of modern-day television screens. But what is this fascination with people who don't exist and situations that have not taken place, often to the detriment of those who do exist and that which has taken place?

It all makes for very big business, from film and television to books and stage plays. Many lives are literally devoted to creating lives which are entirely fictional. And it's with such pastimes that we amuse ourselves in what little free time we have.

Why?

Even those who are busy most of their waking hours, such as doctors and lawyers, will make time to follow their favorite show on television or read a beloved book from beginning to end.

Why?

Why do human beings love to tell and hear stories so much?

Unique among the animals, it would seem, we have a literal need to imagine, to suppose, to conceive. We like to make believe. We see more than there is to see.

And so it is that many among us believe in ghosts and other supernatural phenomenon. And this need persists even in our scientific age, only the phantasms have taken on new forms, "scientifically correct" ones involving alien abductions.

This need comes out of our very nature as human beings. Our brains are pattern-making machines; their purpose is to perceive patterns and derive meaning. Birds want to fly, fish want to swim, and human beings want meaning. We want things to make sense. This requires imagination. And like a fire which is constantly burning, our creativity needs a lot more fuel - which is the stuff of our dreams, our stories.

To find more interesting articles such as this one, visit www.thewizardofarticles.com.