#28 Narratives
Hans Stegeman
Chief Economist Triodos Bank | Group Director Impact & Economics | Columnist | Author | Speaker
Hi all,
Even when you dive deep into some topics, read books, travel, or do whatever, the way to connect to people is through narratives—stories you can relate to. I have had some ‘narrative times’ lately. In a few days, I went from the summer palace of the Pope in Rome with Bforgood , discussing with a bunch of people about leadership, crossroads and narratives, to a philosophy festival in Amsterdam (Brainwashfestival ), where it was shown that narratives (in this case a performance by an author playing a politician) can make a difference.
Many forget that every human interaction is based on a narrative — a structured story or account that interprets and communicates human experiences, often with an underlying purpose or meaning. They offer frameworks that help individuals and communities interpret their lives, actions, and the world around them.
For instance, philosophers like Paul Ricoeur and Alasdair MacIntyre argue that narratives shape our moral and existential understanding. According to Ricoeur, narratives mediate between our lived experiences and the interpretations we form of them, helping us place events in a coherent framework of beginning, middle, and end. Meanwhile, MacIntyre posits that humans are "story-telling animals," asserting that narratives are essential to moral development as they give context to virtues, values, and choices throughout a lifetime.
I am not a philosopher. I am an economist. I have seen that many (macro) economists strongly believe in their theories as an objective kind of truth, no matter how often it is falsified. That is how we get to the idea that green growth is possible: not because there is a reality that shows its possibility, but because we have a narrative, an intrinsic conviction that it is possible. You can argue against it regarding rational arguments; that does not matter. Even if it is demonstrated that the current narrative does not deliver a good life for all people and living creatures in the future, the narrative (or paradigm) stays strong.
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So, we need to change the narrative. However, this might be the most challenging task we have today. I want to highlight two examples of new narratives: Pope Frances’ Laudato Si ’ and Kohei Saito’s ecological reinterpretation of Marx .
A new narrative—almost like a new religion, a firm conviction—that everyone will embrace is probably more important than innovation. We have all the solutions; we only need to believe those solutions and ideas are our new narrative instead of a sobering outlook for our future. But to get there, we probably first must understand that we always live in a narrative.
A warning: part of this blog is more philosophical than economic (only one graph!). However, it is critical to understand that narratives are ultimately what drive societies from one stage to another. If more people believe a different narrative, it will create a new reality. In other words, the stronger the latest narratives, the stronger the feedback loop in a system that moves a system towards a tipping point.
See for the rest on my substack .
Engaged with integral human development
5 天前I really believe that our narratives define our existences and that every meeting impacts our narratives. They of course define paradigms, I would like to know how we could engage financial and political actors more with the concrete narrative of Laudato Si' that is already suggesting transformational action paths at everyone's reach? I am sure it could become viral, exactly like it has been studied by Shiller. What do you think? Where are the resistances coming from?
Creating films to help NGOs and social businesses reach, touch and move people.
2 周“We have all the solutions; we only need to believe those solutions and ideas are our new narrative instead of a sobering outlook for our future.” I agree Hans Stegeman. And I’d like to add that there are already lots of story’s out there, that if uncovered and told, would move people to become allies through narrative transportation and character identification. We see ourselves in the stories of others and what sticks is the universal message - like for example: “a bright future is possible.” Also interesting, a book called “The Story Paradox” by Jonathan Gottschall where the author describes how story’s can tear down societies, but also build them up.
Ethics | Social Responsibility | Sustainability
3 周You articulate some key points about narratives.?As an Exec & Leadership Coach educated in environmental governance working with mission driven businesses, I know that?as individual human beings, we each have our own map & story of the world.?None is right or wrong although of course when it comes to organising resources for survival, we come together in groups with those who look like us and seem to share similar maps and beliefs as our own.?Sadly as humans, we tend to see those not like us as “wrong” driven by our unconscious limiting beliefs, grounded in fear. ? Using coaching techniques, it is possible to identify those limiting beliefs which underpin current unsustainable and inequitable narratives WITHOUT JUDGEMENT and begin to cultivate more compassionate and empowering beliefs and narratives.? Through those same coaching techniques, it is also possible to see that those who are at face value “different” to us, share many of the same values.? You always write such thoughtful and compelling pieces. Your insights through your financial and economic lens and position are very important.?I can’t wait for your next piece.
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3 周Much gratitude for sharing your view Hans Stegeman up for debate is science a belief system or a religion? ??