Getting Started

Why narratives matter

We understand the world through narratives – shared frameworks that shape our interpretation of events, our sense of responsibility, and the actions we consider possible. Many of us assume that we first analyze the world and then layer stories on top of that understanding. In reality, the opposite is often true.

Narrative psychologist Jerome Bruner described this as two modes of thought. One is analytical: slow, logical, and evidence-based. The other is narrative: fast, contextual, and meaning-making. Both forms of reasoning are important, but narrative sensemaking is the default. Analytical reasoning requires deliberate effort. Some people say analytical thinking is to humans what swimming is to cats: we can do it, but we prefer not to.

This means that people interpret facts, data, and explanations through the narratives they already believe about how the world works. When facts fit within someone’s existing narrative about the world, they are accepted. When they contradict that narrative, they are often resisted, reframed, or ignored. Even when the facts themselves are understood, people may reject policies or interventions that feel threatening to their identity, autonomy, or sense of security.