Why Stories Matter More Than Ever

By Ramas Ramas -

I received this message today that stopped me in my tracks:

"A child who grows up without stories doesn't just miss out on reading—they miss out on learning how to feel for someone else. Books are windows that let us see the world through another's eyes and carry emotions that aren't ours. That's how empathy begins."

This captures exactly why I wrote "Black Swan, White Swan."

I see a generation losing touch with reading, missing the chance to truly walk in someone else's shoes. They're surrounded by screens and instant content, but they're losing something profound—the ability to sit quietly with complex emotions and develop deep empathy.

"Black Swan, White Swan" tells stories through animals' eyes because they offer a universal language of emotion. Animals don't judge—they simply feel, love, fear, and hope. Through their stories, readers can safely explore different perspectives and build understanding.

If we want a more empathetic world, we need to start with stories. We need to give our children the gift of imagination and the practice of understanding.

What stories shaped your ability to empathize?

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