A study reveals a direct link between storytelling ability and a sense of meaning and quality of life. The study, conducted in Israel and the United States, found that people who are good storytellers enjoy more fulfilling lives, a clearer sense of purpose, and the ability to see the “big picture.”
Now, this new research reveals that those who excel at storytelling also tend to lead better lives. They feel a profound sense of meaning, possess a clear and lucid understanding of their life’s direction, and are better able to see the bigger picture.
The study’s findings showed a clear connection between storytelling ability and high levels of quality of life and sense of meaning. Even after accounting for other factors, such as the five major personality traits, the effect was found to be particularly pronounced among introverted people, who found storytelling to be a powerful means of self-expression and skill enhancement. These results suggest that storytelling is not only a personal asset but also a valuable tool in professional and organizational contexts.
Researchers find storytelling could be key to meaningful life
Stories are central to the human experience. I wish I was good at it. I know when I am hunting or fishing much time is spent thinking how I will tell the story later. That I almost never get the chance to doesn’t seem to break the habit.
Written stories are most common now but verbal stories are another skill altogether. There is a reason audio books are often read by actors. I had a friend that often told a William Faulkner story. As best I can remember, someone complimented on Faulkner on his success as a writer, maybe after he won the Nobel prize. Faulkner wasn’t that impressed and said he was an amateur compared to the guys in his hunting club. It was an interesting comment from him and it stuck both with me and my friend.