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"El arte de contar historias está llegando a su fin porque el lado épico de la verdad, la sabiduría, se está extinguiendo"

Walter Benjamin
Walter Benjamin Philosopher
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Quote meaning
The essence of the quote is that storytelling, as a profound way to share wisdom and truth, is fading away. The deep, epic nature of truth and wisdom that stories used to convey is being lost in today's world.

This thought was expressed by Walter Benjamin, a German literary critic and philosopher, in the early 20th century. He was reflecting on how society was changing—how traditional forms of storytelling were being overtaken by new ways of communication, like newspapers and, later, film. Benjamin lamented that these newer forms lacked the depth and richness of the old epics and folk tales that carried lessons and truths from one generation to the next.

To bring this idea to life, let's think about a grandparent sharing tales from their youth. Imagine your grandmother sitting by the fire, recounting a story of her struggles during the Great Depression. She doesn't just tell you what happened; she weaves in the lessons she learned about resilience, community, and hope. Her story isn't just about the events—it's about the wisdom she wants to pass on to you. Now, compare that to scrolling through your social media feed. You might find snippets of information, a few life lessons here and there, but it's fragmented. It doesn't have the same depth or emotional impact.

To apply this wisdom in our lives, we need to cherish and revive the art of storytelling. Next time you listen to someone sharing their experiences, pay attention. Ask questions. Dive deep into their narrative. And when you share your own stories, don't just recount events. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and the truths you've discovered. Think about how you can pass on your wisdom.

Let’s dig into a more relatable scenario. Picture yourself at a family gathering. Your uncle starts talking about his journey of starting a small business from scratch. Instead of just nodding along, you decide to really engage. You ask him about the challenges he faced, the mistakes he made, and what he learned from them. He starts sharing not just the how, but the why—the wisdom behind his actions. You realize that through his story, he's imparting valuable life lessons about perseverance, creativity, and the importance of staying true to one's values.

By listening actively and sharing thoughtfully, we can keep the art of storytelling alive. We can ensure that the epic side of truth and wisdom doesn't die out but continues to inspire and guide future generations. It’s about creating moments where stories aren’t just told—they're lived, felt, and cherished. So next time you're with friends or family, embrace the opportunity to dive deep into their stories and share your own. You might be surprised at the rich wisdom you uncover.
Related tags
Art Culture End Epic Literature Narrative Storytelling Tradition Truth Wisdom
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