Lee said, “Remember, Mr. Hamilton, I told you I was trying…
““Lee said, “Remember, Mr. Hamilton, I told you I was trying to translate some old Chinese poetry into English? No, don’t worry. I won’t read it. Doing it, I found some of the old things as fresh and clear as this morning. And I wondered why. And, of course, people are interested only in themselves. If a story is not about the hearer he will not listen. And I here make a rule—a great and lasting story is about everyone or it will not last. The strange and foreign is not interesting—only the deeply personal and familiar.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A story must be universally relatable; personal, familiar narratives engage audiences more than exotic ones.
In simple terms: Stories should connect with everyone.
Key Takeaway
Write relatable stories.
Themes
writing
audience
universality
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
literary
creative
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- marketing
- education
- media production
Key Concepts
narrative theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers balance novelty with familiarity?
- What makes a story timeless?
A Different Perspective
Exotic topics may alienate readers.