And it's a human need to be told stories. The more we're governed by idiots and have no control over our destinies, the more we need to tell stories to each other about who we are, why we are, where we come from, and what might be possible.
Interpretation
Human beings have a fundamental need for storytelling, especially in times of uncertainty and lack of control.
This quote emphasizes the intrinsic human desire to share and listen to stories, particularly during challenging times when society feels dominated by foolishness and individuals feel powerless. Through storytelling, people connect over their identities, histories, and hopes for the future, fostering a sense of community and possibility in the face of adversity.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of communication, one could use this quote to highlight the role of storytelling in unifying people.
Film has to be reflecting the world that we live in, and that's all you want to be a part of. Actors inhabit the same planet as everyone else. It's a weird thing that happens when you're an actor because people hold you up because you somehow embody in parts groups of people or people's hopes or something.
You can act truthfully or you can lie. You can reveal things about yourself or you can hide. Therefore, the audience recognizes something about themselves or they don't -- You hope they don't leave the theatre thinking that was nice...now where's the cab?'
I'm a lot less serious than people think, it's probably because the way my face is put together.
Those of you who are not aware of my brilliant career as a stand up comic, I'm not aware of it either so we might well wonder what we're doing here.
Acting is mostly about listening. If you just focus in on what the other person is saying, acting takes care of itself to quite a large extent.
When I am asked about influences, I always say I bow down to Fred Astaire, because when you look at him dancing you never look at his extremities, do you? You look at his centre. What you never see is the hours of work that went into the routines, you just see the breathtaking spirit and freedom.
Everything of importance has been said before by somebody who did not discover it.
Do you call yourself Free? It is your ruling thought that I would hear, and not that you have escaped from a yoke.
We need language to tell us who we are, how we feel, what we're capable of- to explain the pains and glory of our existence.
It is not that the meaning cannot be explained. But there are certain meanings that are lost forever the moment they are explained in words.
The noblest contribution which any man can make for the benefit of posterity, is that of character. The richest bequest which any man can leave to the youth of his native land, is that of a shining, spotless example.
How loved, how honored once, avails thee not, To whom related, or by whom begot A heap of dust alone remains of thee 'Tis all thou art, and all the proud shall be!
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