Why the World Needs More Storytellers

At its core, every form of artistic expression, from the written word to visual and performance art, is rooted in storytelling. Paintings capture a single still image with the strokes of a brush. Dance speaks through movement and bodies. Movies unfold a story over several hours. A great song can say everything in just a few minutes. 

From sculpture to street art, artists find countless ways to share their unique stories and interact with the world. And, with technological advancements redefining how we create and consume art, new opportunities to explore digital tools and connect with global audiences arise every day.

Storytelling in the digital age

Thirty years ago, Pixar Animation Studios revolutionized the entire medium of computer-animated films. For decades, the studio has delighted us with impactful stories about rats who can cook, the secret lives of toys, and the emotions living inside our heads — movies that have deeply resonated with audiences around the world. 

Artists continuously explore new digital mediums for storytelling, like projection mapping and virtual reality art. The internet has revolutionized how people share their art, allowing creators like writer and photographer Brandon Stanton to build a massive social media following for his portrait series Humans of New York.

We have access to more books, movies, television shows, music, and digital recreations of art than we could possibly consume in one lifetime, which begs the question: Does the world really need more storytellers? In a word: Yes.

How stories shape our lives

Artists and novelists don’t corner the market on storytelling; it's fundamental to the human experience. From ancient myths shared around fires to TikToks, tweets and late-night texts to your best friend, storytelling helps us make sense of our surroundings. Stories empower us to communicate what matters, including the feelings, hopes, dreams, and experiences that make us human.

Ancient societies like the Agta in the Philippines used stories to convey themes of cooperation and collaboration. Central to survival, many societies valued their storytellers’ skills as much as their best hunters’ abilities. Author and historian Yuval Noah Harari, who writes about human development throughout history in Sapiens and Homo Deus, offers one hypothesis.

“Stories are the greatest human invention. People need stories in order to cooperate. [Without them,] people in ancient kingdoms wouldn’t have built dikes, reservoirs, and granaries, and today there would be no countries, no schools, and no hospitals. There would be no cars, no airplanes, and no computers. All the big achievements of humankind, such as flying to the moon, were the result of cooperation between hundreds of thousands of people.”

Stories’ power is a double-edged sword. They can inspire huge projects and positive change, or subtly influence us to buy certain products, choose specific careers, or form negative narratives about ourselves and others. (Spoiler: Not all the stories we tell ourselves are worth listening to.) Negative stories can push us apart, making us feel isolated, fearful, and at odds. Positive stories, however, can act as grounding forces reminding us of what’s most important.

Why tell stories? 

Today’s storytellers explain to:

• Reflect the times: Fiber artist Bisa Butler uses textiles in bold colors and lively patterns to craft her story of African American history and culture. Peek inside her studio: “Now that I’m working full-time, I meet a lot of other full-time artists, and I see how much of a responsibility you have as an artist. You are the reflection of our times. So, whether you’re a writer, dancer, filmmaker, painter, or sculptor, you’re reflecting the times that you live in. And after you’re gone, all that is left is that reflection.”
• Express ourselves to the world: Record producer and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, Rick Rubin, has produced decades of influential music from Run-DMC, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, and Travis Scott. His book The Creative Act says: “The reason we’re alive is to express ourselves in the world. And creating art may be the most effective and beautiful method of doing so. Art goes beyond language, beyond lives. It’s a universal way to send messages between each other and through time.”
• Bring people together: TV titan Shonda Rhimes has captivated audiences with shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton. Her TedTalk conversation about The Future of Storytelling shared: “I think good stories are never going to change, the need for people to gather together and exchange their stories and to talk about the things that feel universal, the idea that we all feel a compelling need to watch stories, to tell stories, to share stories — sort of the gathering around the campfire to discuss the things that tell each one of us that we are not alone in the world. Those things to me are never going to change.”

Your story matters

Think you’re not a storyteller? Think again! When you recount a funny experience around the dinner table, write in your journal, document adventures with your phone camera, or pitch yourself in a job interview, you’re telling a story — one that only you can tell.

Stories told from diverse perspectives invite us to look beyond our own echo chambers and discover the common ground we share with others: Our capacity to love and hate, to grow and change, to fear and fail, and be brave when facing our toughest challenges.

Whether you consider yourself an artist or not, remember that everyone has a story worth telling. Sharing your story, through art, conversation, or keeping it close, can help you discover more about yourself and deepen your connection to the world around you.