Years ago, a group of researchers visited one of the last hunter-gatherer societies on Earth. They wanted to know what occupation was most highly valued amongst members of the tribe.
To their surprise, the best hunters and gatherers did not enjoy status at the top of the societal food chain. Neither did the community healers, home-builders, or basket-weavers.
As it turns out, the most highly-esteemed members of the Agta tribe are storytellers.
Storytellers are seen as more desirable to live with, more attractive as mates, and had more children on average than their peers. They also enjoy receiving more gifts from other members of the tribe.
In short, storytellers get rewarded.
Not for their tangible contributions to the welfare of the tribe, but for their exceptional communication skills.
Stories are just as valuable in the modern knowledge economy as it is for the nomadic Agta tribe.
Society places a high premium on influential communication.
The marketer’s story sells more product. The entrepreneur’s story funds their startup. The interviewer’s story helps land their dream job.
Everyone has a story.
Question is, do you know how to tell it?
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