Tell an Alternative Story

This idea has been a driving force in my beliefs and decisions for half of my life. And I want to share it with you.

When asked, “What is the best way to change society? Is it violent revolution, or gradual reform?” Ivan Illich’s response is:

“Neither revolution nor reformation can ultimately change a society, rather you must tell a new powerful tale, one so persuasive that it sweeps away the old myths and becomes the preferred story, one so inclusive that it gathers all the bits of our past and our present into a coherent whole, one that even shines some light into the future so that we can take the next step… If you want to change a society, then you have to tell an alternative story.”

Ivan Illich, “Storytelling or Myth-Making? Frank Viola and Ivan Illich,” Proclamation, Invitation, & Warning, July, 2007

I have shared this idea with others 2-3 times a month for almost 20 years, but I search for a link to the full quote every time I share it. Today, I finally post it here so that I always know where to link, AND as an invitation for you to “sign the guest book” over the next 20 years, by leaving a comment if it resonates with you too.