“History is the fiction we invent to persuade ourselves that events are knowable and that life has order and direction.”
— Bill Watterson
Simplified Meaning:
People tell stories about the past to make sense of what happened and to feel like life has a clear path. Imagine a librarian who arranges books in neat rows; it makes her feel organized even if the room is still the same. Similarly, creating a detailed story of history helps us feel like everything is understandable and in control. For example, when we look back at significant events like World War II, we piece together stories from different perspectives to make it seem like one cohesive tale. By doing this, we comfort ourselves with the idea that life has a pattern and is easier to grasp. Applying this to your own life, you can better understand your experiences by creating a narrative, helping you find meaning and direction in what might seem random or chaotic.
