“Fiction seems to be more effective at changing beliefs than nonfiction, which is designed to persuade through argument and evidence. Studies show that when we read nonfiction, we read with our shields up. We are critical and skeptical. But when we are absorbed in a story, we drop our intellectual guard. We are moved emotionally, and this seems to make us rubbery and easy to shape.” StoriesShowsSeemsBeliefEasyFictionStudyShapesIntellectualEvidenceArgumentMovedCriticalNonfictionSkepticalShields Author:Jonathan Gottschall
“We are critical and skeptical. But when we are absorbed in a story, we drop our intellectual guard.” StoriesIntellectualCriticalSkeptical Book:The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human Source: The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human
“Millions upon millions of people came here full of hope and aspiration to this extraordinary land of liberty and opportunity, and helped build the United States. So the Atlantic Ocean was absolutely critical to the story of America.” PeopleStatesStoriesAmericaOpportunityUnitedLibertyMillionsUnited StatesLandOceanExtraordinaryCriticalAspirationAtlantic Ocean Author:Simon Winchester
“The notion that a story has a message assumes that it can be reduced to a few abstract words, neatly summarized in a school or college examination paper or a brisk critical review.” StoriesSchoolCollegePaperMessagesAssumingNotionCriticalAbstractReviewsExamination Author:Ursula K. Le Guin