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So certainly, if we can tell evil stories to make people sick, we can also tell good myths that make them well.
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Stories can influence our emotions and well-being, just as negative narratives can harm us, positive narratives can heal and uplift.

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's quote reflects the profound impact of storytelling on human experience. Just as negative, harmful tales can disturb and sicken individuals, the power of positive and uplifting myths can inspire and restore. It underscores the responsibility of storytellers and artists to craft narratives that not only entertain but also promote healing and well-being amidst the chaos of life.

Themes

StorytellingHealingMythsNarrativesEmotions

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about mental health, one might cite this quote to illustrate the healing power of positive stories.

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Yes, actually ever since I saw his films and tried to write about them, Sirk's been in everything I've done. Not Sirk himself, but what I've learned from his work.
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The more real things get, the more like myths they become. There have always been myths, but the myths of earlier times were, Im convinced, bad ones, because they made people sick. So certainly, if we can tell evil stories to make people sick, we can also tell good myths that make them well.
Rainer Werner FassbinderRead

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Quote by Rainer Werner Fassbinder | QuoteProject