The Story of ‘Story’

The dictionary defines a story as "a sequence of events, either real or fictional, within a defined period."

The question is, what is so vital about 'story?' 

The word story originates from the Latin historia, which is borrowed from the Greek. Beyond its meaning as a narrative, historia also translates to tale. After all, tales are how we learn about life.

From the earliest days of our childhood, we are immersed in stories. Our parents tell us myths and tales—sometimes to warn us about dangers, sometimes to teach us how to be better people, and sometimes to remind us of the value of friendship and love. Stories, whether simple or profound, always carry wisdom within them.

Take the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest tales known to humanity. For millennia, it has told the story of a king seeking fame through conquest, only to discover love, friendship, and the essence of authentic leadership. By the end of his journey, Gilgamesh transforms into a different person. The person he was meant to be.

These profound themes are nicely hidden behind complex characters and casual everyday acts. But then again, for some reason, this humble story must have resonated with people so deeply that we have carried it in our culture for almost 6,500 years.

Is it because we learn life through stories?

The Greek word historia comes from the Ancient term histōr. It means 'learned, wise man.'

Going back in time, the origin of this word is Proto-Hellenistic' wístōr' and even earlier, Proto-Indo-European word 'wéydtōr. It means 'knower' or 'wise person.'

Words rarely form by accident. Could our ancestors have intentionally linked stories with wisdom, knowing that tales would become the vessel for knowledge?

Did we always know that learning and wisdom came from 'stories'? 

You know the saying, "You live what you learn." Stories, in turn, teach us what we learn. Over time, your story becomes your life.

But stories don't just shape individuals; they shape entire communities.

Stories bind people together. Tribes form around shared stories. Nations rise on the foundations of creation myths. Religions pass down the tales of their prophets and leaders, engraving them into rituals and traditions.

It's the glue that holds humanity's social fabric together. Shared narratives create bonds, foster understanding, and unite us. 

People who believe in similar stories create tribes.

Then tribes with similar tales come together and build nations.

And those nations create their own stories, tales, and myths.

The story keeps us curious, connects us to one another, and reminds us of our shared humanity. 

Without stories, life would lose its wonder, purpose, and meaning.

Without it, there is no nation, no tribe.

And there is no you!