In a world where technology dominates our daily lives, the sentiment expressed by Philip Pullman holds true now more than ever. As human beings, our ability to connect, learn, and grow through stories is an essential part of what makes us who we are.Stories have the power to evoke empathy, spark imagination, and offer a unique perspective on the world around us. In an age where information is constantly at our fingertips, it is important to remember the importance of storytelling in shaping our identities and connecting us to one another.
"“Without stories, we wouldn't be human beings at all” - Philip Pullman"
In education: Stories have been used as effective tools in teaching and learning. They help students connect with the subject matter on a personal level and enhance their understanding.
In culture: Stories are the foundation of cultures around the world. They are passed down from generation to generation, preserving traditions, values, and beliefs.
In entertainment: From books to movies to TV shows, stories entertain and captivate audiences, allowing them to escape reality and immerse themselves in different worlds.
In personal growth: Stories inspire and motivate individuals to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and become the best version of themselves. They provide a sense of hope and optimism in times of adversity.
Stories have always been a fundamental part of human culture, shaping our identities, beliefs, and relationships. In this quote by Philip Pullman, the author highlights the significance of storytelling in defining our human experience. Pullman suggests that stories are an essential aspect of what makes us human, as they provide us with a way to connect, empathize, and understand each other. Through stories, we are able to learn from the experiences of others, share our own narratives, and create a shared sense of community and belonging. Stories help us make sense of the world around us and reflect on our own values and choices. Overall, the quote emphasizes the essential role of storytelling in shaping our humanity.
“Stories are the most important thing in the world. Without stories, we wouldn't be human beings at all.”
“We feel cold, but we don't mind it, because we will not come to harm. And if we wrapped up against the cold, we wouldn't feel other things, like the bright tingle of the stars, or the music of the aurora, or best of all the silky feeling of moonlight on our skin. It's worth being cold for that.”
“Human beings can't see anything without wanting to destroy it. That's original sin. And I'm going to destroy it. Death is going to die.”
“For a human being, nothing comes naturally,' said Grumman. 'We have to learn everything we do.”
“I have said that His Dark Materials is not fantasy but stark realism, and my reason for this is to emphasise what I think is an important aspect of the story, namely the fact that it is realistic, in psychological terms. I deal with matters that might normally be encountered in works of realism, such as adolescence, sexuality, and so on; and they are the main subject matter of the story – the fantasy (which, of course, is there: no-one but a fool would think I meant there is no fantasy in the books at all) is there to support and embody them, not for its own sake. Dæmons, for example, might otherwise be only a meaningless decoration, adding nothing to the story: but I use them to embody and picture some truths about human personality which I couldn't picture so easily without them. I'm trying to write a book about what it means to be human, to grow up, to suffer and learn. My quarrel with much (not all) fantasy is it has this marvelous toolbox and does nothing with it except construct shoot-em-up games. Why shouldn't a work of fantasy be as truthful and profound about becoming an adult human being as the work of George Eliot or Jane Austen?”
“...But it gradually seemed to me that I'd made myself believe something that wasn't true. I'd made myself believe that I was fine and happy and fulfilled on my own without the love of anyone else. Being in love was like China: you knew it was there, and no doubt it was very interesting, and some people went there, but I never would. I'd spend all my life without ever going to China, but it wouldn't matter, because there was all the rest of the world to visit... And I thought: am I really going to spend the rest of my life without feeling that again? I thought: I want to go to China. It's full of treasures and strangeness and mysteries and joy.”