See a photo of George, his bio, Part 1 of this Q&A, and Part 2.
Q&A with George Dutch, Question 3:
Q: The storytelling movement seems to be growing explosively. Why now? What is it about this moment in human history and culture that makes storytelling so resonant with so many people right now?
A: In the beginning was an empty void. Then came story. Storytelling was central to society long before cultures learned to write. The history of civilization is the history of story. The world has become increasingly complex and conflicted in this postmodern age (even the word postmodern is part of a huge story). We are unable to live easily, happily, joyfully in a world we cannot understand. We cannot bear to think there is no meaningful structure to the way we develop. Story provides that structure of meaning. The stories we choose to tell, to live by, get us into trouble, and they can get us out of trouble. It is important not only to tell stories but also to think deeply about the stories that drive our behavior as individuals and as societies. The best stories will save us from the consequences of our worst behaviors.