Ecohumanism and Other Stories

Abstract

Storytelling is an old social technology with the potential to serve a variety of practical functions, especially in oral cultures. For present purposes, the term stories is a catch-all for the myths, sagas, epics, fables, legends, plays, folktales, folk histories, etc., which members of religious, ethnic, political, tribal, etc., virtual species tell and retell amongst themselves. Apart from being entertainment, allowing the listener to enjoy vicarious adventures, etc., stories are a powerful socialisation and communicative technology which can mould and reinforce customs, belief systems, values and attitudes. For example, the Mahābhārata is a Hindu epic, the tale of a great dynasty, which supports a discussion of human goals (purpose, pleasure, duty and liberation) in terms of traditional understandings of the relationship of the individual to society and the world, including the nature of the ‘Self’ and the consequential nature of one’s actions. For individuals, stories can help satisfy their ever-present needs for a sense of meaning (e.g. understanding the past) and a sense of belonging to a group with a strong identity. In particular, religious stories, to the extent that they are believed, can console the grieving individual, allay her fear of death and help her endure great misfortune.