Episode 2 of the Building Bridges Series
4-minute read
Have you ever tried to change someone’s mind with facts, statistics, and logical arguments, only to watch them completely ignore your evidence? It’s not just frustrating—it’s puzzling. If facts are true, why don’t they convince people?
The answer lies in the power of stories.
The Photo That Changed Refugee Policy
In 2015, a single photograph of two-year-old Alan Kurdi, who drowned while his family tried to flee Syria, sparked a dramatic international response to the refugee crisis. This one image accomplished what thousands of news articles containing statistics about multitudes of refugees couldn’t do—it moved people to action.
Charitable donations skyrocketed. Policies changed. Public opinion shifted dramatically.
Why did one image of one child have more impact than statistics about 6.7 million Syrian refugees? Because the photo told a story that statistics simply can’t.
How Our Brains Process Stories vs. Facts
Our brains evolved to think in stories, not spreadsheets. For most of human history, knowledge was passed down through storytelling. As a result, our brains are wired to pay special attention to narratives.
When we hear a story:
- Our brains release oxytocin, the chemical that promotes trust and empathy
- Multiple areas of our brain activate simultaneously (language, sensory, emotional)
- We mentally insert ourselves into the narrative, almost like a simulation
- We remember the information far longer than isolated facts
Facts and statistics, by contrast, typically activate only our analytical brain regions. They don’t trigger the same emotional engagement, and they’re much harder to remember.
Why Stories Are “Sticky”
Think about the last time you tried to remember a list of facts versus a good story. Which stayed with you longer?
Stories are “sticky” because they:
- Create emotional connections
- Provide context and meaning
- Follow patterns our brains recognize
- Create vivid mental images
- Simplify complex information
A good story feels true, regardless of whether it actually is. And that’s exactly what makes stories so powerful—and sometimes dangerous.
When Stories Override Facts
A compelling narrative can override even the most solid facts. This happens because:
- We process stories first: Our Lizard Brain (the emotional, instinctual part) processes stories before our Wizard Brain (the rational, analytical part) can evaluate the facts.
- Stories create meaning: We inherently seek meaning, and stories provide ready-made frameworks for making sense of the world.
- Stories reinforce identity: We embrace stories that confirm our existing beliefs and group memberships.
This means that when facts contradict a story we believe in, we’re more likely to reject the facts than to abandon the story.
Harnessing the Power of Stories
Lots of smart people believe that if other people just knew the facts that I know, they would naturally agree with me. But if you’re interested in persuading someone to your point of view, that’s probably a waste of time.
If you want to be persuasive, facts alone won’t cut it. You need to frame those facts within a meaningful story. The most effective approach combines both:
- Stories to engage emotions and create meaning
- Facts to provide substance and credibility
When Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I have a dream,” he didn’t just list statistics or reasons for why we should address inequality—he told a vivid story about a better future that people could see themselves in.
Why This Matters
Understanding the power of stories helps explain why we’re so divided on many issues despite having access to the same information. It’s not just about facts—it’s about the different stories we use to make sense of those facts.
The next time you find yourself frustrated that someone won’t accept what seems like an obvious truth, ask yourself: What story are they living in? And how might I connect my facts to a story that resonates with their values and experiences? That may be what it takes to get them to hear what you’re really saying.
Can you give a personal example of when hearing a story changed your mind about something important? Have you noticed yourself rejecting facts that contradicted a narrative you already believed in? You’re invited to add your thoughts below.
Up Next:
“Confirmation Bias: Why We Usually See What We Expect To See”
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