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Everything in human existence is a narrative. The reality for human beings is a story; in fact that is all that metaphysics is a meta story about the nature of
by x5n1 11y ago
Everything in human existence is a narrative. The reality for human beings is a story; in fact that is all that metaphysics is a meta story about the nature of human reality. If it's not a story, then it's just one damn thing after another, which is what it really is... but we prefer our stories and narratives about how things are, versus how they actually are. All meaning is built from narratives, without narratives there is no meaning. And for many people narratives help people find meaning in their suffering, which is a solace to having nothing.
For instance most people don't know what they are doing at all. That includes politicians and leaders. But they build narratives and they use those narratives to lead, rule, assign punishments, and so on. Without narratives of history and the present, we would be utterly lost as to what to do now or next.
- narrator 11y agoThe reason we cast our memories into narratives is that narratives are easier to remember. Our brains are hardwired for them. In fact, a lot of memory techniques practiced by people who compete in memory contests involve making a bizarre narrative to encode things like the order of card decks.
- x5n1 11y agoI don't think we do it just because they are easier to remember, though we are definitely wired for it. I think the main reason we do it for our existence to mean something. For our actions to signify something about ourselves and the world. And that actually affects our present and future behavior. For instance narratives about marriage and love. We are now breaking down the traditional narratives and that is having a profound impact on relationships.
- hyperdunc 11y agoTo build on your thoughts I would say that narratives are the glue that bind and distinguish our societies and give meaning to the the individuals within those societies. They are largely synonymous with religious, political and economic ideologies. It's interesting today, in a world more connected than ever, to see how these narratives rub up against each other. It is clear that not all narratives have equal value. Older and more static narratives in particular aren't doing so great. How would we evaluate a narrative? One way is by it's practical effects on peoples' lives and the levels of health and suffering it actively promotes, for both its adherents and opponents. Another way is by the narrative's approximation to absolute reality. Thanks to the scientific method and its tools we are creeping closer to achieving an objective understanding of reality (although we are unlikely to ever reach one). It seems obvious (at least to me) that understanding reality better will allow us to create better narratives and therefore enable us to think and act better. In other words, basing our actions on a narrative that is as true as possible would likely lead to better practical effects. Of course measuring the positive or negative value of a narrative's effects is somewhat subjective, and what is 'better' for one person might not be for another, or even for the same person later on. For instance, when people use relatively poor narratives to give meaning to their suffering it might be some comfort to them (and therefore seem positive) but ultimately will lead to action that causes more suffering. TL;DR: A better existence is achievable if we do not just accept whatever narratives are thrust upon us but instead actively refine and change them based on their practical results and to more closely approximate reality.
- x5n1 11y agoyou get it.