If
our perception of the natural world is imperfect, the enormous diversity we
observe regarding human values, morality, social relationships, sense of
meaning, and religion should not be surprising.
Though these perceptions vary widely from one person to another, the
process through which they are established and maintained is universal. The simple truth is that our concepts of the
essential aspects of human experience are shaped by the stories we hear,
modify, create, internalize, and share with others.
There
is no way to overstate the role stories play in this process. They can inspire us, inform us, frighten us,
or fill us with courage. They are such an integral part of our lives that we
often fail to recognize their prevalence in our daily experience. Frequently we think we are merely sharing
information, but typically it takes the form of storytelling.
Stories
are so fundamental to our communication because they incorporate key elements
of our thought processes. The very way
that we think is referred to as symbolic consciousness. Thinking is really a matter of stringing
symbols together. Typically, our
thoughts consist of words, visual images, auditory memories, feelings and other
sensory perceptions. As we attempt to
convey these thoughts to others, the story provides a logical format for
presenting all of these symbols in a meaningful way.
Stories
come to us in a variety of constructs.
They can be casual exchanges or,
very formal such as books, poems, music, theater, movies, magazines, and so
on. The format may vary, but the result
is the same; ideas and feelings are being communicated, not merely information.
Leaders
seeking to establish common beliefs and values within groups recognize the
important role stories play in social cohesion.
Religion has utilized story-telling for thousands of years to convey
their unique cosmology, values, and behavioral expectations for their religious
community. Nations generate stories
about their greatness, moral purity, and superiority over other nations. Political parties tell tall tales that extol
their virtues and demonize their opponents.
The
stories that we hear from outside sources play a vital role in our interaction
with others. However, the most important
tales in our lives are the ones that we are constantly telling ourselves. Those stories lie just below our conscious
awareness and function much like an operating system in a computer. They influence our perceptions, likes and
dislikes, our decisions, attitudes, actions and reactions.
I
believe that there are actually three core stories that are continually engaged
in unconscious interaction. The
significance we attach to each one determines its influence on the composition
of the others. Together they comprise
our understanding of who we are and where we fit into the universe.
1. The
Cosmic Story
Where
did we come from? Was the universe
created by an omniscient and omnipotent divine being? If so, does that being still play an active
role in the universe? If so, is He
merciful and compassionate, or demanding and wrathful? Does life extend beyond the physical death of
humans? Is there a natural unifying
force that produces order in the cosmos?
If so, am I able to harmonize with that force in a way that will
influence events in my life? Perhaps it
doesn’t matter what I believe about the cosmos.
Maybe all of this is nothing more than a random occurrence, and life is
merely an accidental arrangement of inert atoms.
What
kind of world do we live in? Is it
generally peaceful and safe, or is it harsh and dangerous? Are the people loving and honest or hateful
and untrustworthy? Are all living
organisms completely separate and distinct, or is everything somehow
interconnected? Should we all work
together for our common good, or should we each just look out for our own
wellbeing? Are there certain universal
truths that apply to our interaction with one another or should everyone merely
develop their own value system? Should
humans be concerned about preserving the resources of the planet for future generations,
or is the planet and everything on it merely resources to be enjoyed and
consumed for our own pleasure and entertainment?
3. The
personal story
Who
am I? Am I loveable, or does everyone
hate me and treat me wrong? Am I
intelligent, attractive, and talented, or am I a complete loser? Am I in control of my life, or am I always
the victim of other people and circumstances?
Do I enjoy relationships with others, or is human interaction always
uncomfortable and frequently painful? Do
I get a great satisfaction out of helping others, or should people take care of
themselves and just leave me alone? Do
I enjoy being alive, or is it just one endless drudgery?
Too
frequently the evening news reports accounts of religious terrorists who have
committed horrible acts of violence. However,
using the model presented here, it is actually possible to understand what
could motivate an individual to strap on an explosive device, walk into a
crowded market place and detonate it with the full knowledge that they and all
those around them will be killed or injured?
Clearly the suicide bomber has embraced cosmic and global stories that
have created a harsh perception of reality.
Undoubtedly spiritual leaders and fellow believers have helped to
cultivate their personal story that extols the virtues of martyrdom. In the light of these perceptions, the
actions of these “martyrs” are completely logical.
For
this individual, God is very demanding and must be obeyed. Because unbelievers are violating His
authority, it becomes the responsibility of each true believer to do whatever
they need to in order to bring about changes in the world that will enhance
God’s influence. What we are observing
are individuals who are so committed to this view of reality that their own
lives are insignificant when compared to the ultimate goal of achieving
complete worldwide theocracy.
Though
we may never share a particular perspective, taking time to consider the foundations
of and individual’s reality can frequently bring perplexing behaviors into
focus. Understanding another’s point of
reference can be informative. Understanding
our own can be transformative.
Thankfully,
none of our core stories are etched in stone.
In fact, they are extremely dynamic and subject to change. Exposure to a new experience or new
information can produce subtle or even profound alterations in the tales we
tell ourselves. Some changes occur
because people are easily persuaded.
Other changes are the result of an individual’s willingness to examine
the validity of their current stories and modify them based on new
understandings.
Socrates
is credited with having said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” What stories are we telling ourselves? What is their source? Are they true, or merely familiar and comfortable?
What changes could we bring about in our lives if we updated our internal dialogue?
In
a world that frequently seems to be out of control, Einstein’s observation is
quite pertinent: “No problem can be fixed
from the same level of consciousness that created it.” Clearly, humanity needs to awaken to a common
concept of reality that will nurture a global culture of mutuality. Although science is continually expanding our
understanding of our common origin, no new story has been articulated yet that
can inspire this level of unity.
Laying
the groundwork for a shared foundational sense of reality is our
challenge. Building upon it will be the
task of future generations.
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