Why Humans Are Natural-Born Storytellers

Storytelling is who we are at our core as a human being. I've been thinking about this a lot lately as I recognize my ever growing desire to write and share stories, not only mine but also others'. The more I write, the more I realize that stories aren't just entertainment; they're the very fabric of our humanity.

Ever since I started journaling in that yellow notebook with the smiley face back in grade six, I've been drawn to the power of narrative. But why? What makes us humans such natural storytellers?

We're Wired for Stories

Storytelling is fundamental to how we make sense of the world, connect with others, and understand ourselves. When I think about it, there are several reasons why stories feel so essential to our existence:

1. Making sense of the world around us

Life throws so much at us—random events, countless choices, overwhelming information. Stories help us filter through the chaos. We organize our experiences into coherent narratives that make sense to us. That's why I journal—to transform the messy thoughts in my head into something I can understand and learn from.

2. Creating connections with people

This is what drove me to write my second book. I realized that sharing stories creates bridges between people. When we tell our stories, we open windows into our lives that allow others to step in, feel seen and heard, get to reflect on their own stories, and ultimately create connections. This fosters empathy in a way nothing else can. Stories have helped me connect with readers who've lived completely different lives yet recognize pieces of themselves in my experiences. That moment of recognition is pure magic—it reminds us we're not alone.

3. Enhancing memory

Have you noticed how much easier it is to remember something when it's wrapped in a story? Our brains are literally wired this way. Before written language, stories were how knowledge and wisdom passed from generation to generation. When we listen to others talking, whether it is a presentation on a stage or around a boardroom table or dinner table, figures and facts draw way less attention and stick to our memories way less than stories.

4. Building Identity and Belonging

The stories we tell about ourselves shape who we become. When I was struggling with self-doubt about publishing my first book (Who was I to write a book? Wasn't that for mega-geniuses?), I had to rewrite the narrative I was telling myself. Our personal stories construct our identities, while our collective stories—family legends, cultural traditions, national histories—give us a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves.

5. Sharing the learnings for survival and growth

From an evolutionary perspective, storytelling helped early humans survive. Cautionary tales warned of dangers. Stories about successful hunts preserved valuable strategies. Myths explained natural phenomena that might otherwise cause fear. Even today, I find myself using stories to navigate challenges. When facing a difficult situation, I often think, "What's the story I'm telling myself about this? Is there a better story I could tell? What stories will I be able to tell and what learnings will I be able to share after this all passes?"

6. Going wild with our imagination and creativity

Stories let us imagine what doesn't exist. They tap into our uniquely human ability to envision alternate realities, possible futures, and innovative solutions. I absolutely cherish this very human capability of imagination and creativity. I am in my ultimate happy place when I get to let my creative juice flow and build something out of it.

The Power of Your Story

Storytelling isn't just something we do around campfires or in books. It's happening constantly in our minds as we interpret our experiences. So I invite you to pay attention to the stories you tell—about yourself, about others, about the world. These stories have immense power. They can limit us or liberate us. They can divide or unite. They can obscure truth or illuminate it.

That's why I write. Because stories matter. Because through sharing our stories, we empower ourselves and connect with others in ways that nothing else allows. What stories are you telling? And what stories do you need to hear? Find more about the power of storytelling in my book, "The Stories We Tell."