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Mattering Quote by John Green

“He found himself thinking that maybe stories don't just make us matter to each other - maybe they're also the only way to the infinite mattering he'd been after for so long. And Colin thought: Because like say I tell someone about my feral hog hunt. Even if it's a dumb story, telling it changes…” quote by John Green
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““He found himself thinking that maybe stories don't just make us matter to each other - maybe they're also the only way to the infinite mattering he'd been after for so long. And Colin thought: Because like say I tell someone about my feral hog hunt. Even if it's a dumb story, telling it changes other people just the slightest little bit, just as living the story changes me. An infinitesimal change. And that infinitesimal change ripples outward - ever smaller but everlasting. I will get forgotten, but the stories will last. And so we all matter - maybe less than a lot, but always more than some.””

John Green

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, 2012

Stories give us a way to connect, to matter, and to leave a lasting impact beyond our brief lives.

In simple terms: Stories help us connect and leave a lasting impact.

Key Takeaway

Share stories to create meaning.

Themes

connection legacy humanity storytelling meaning

Mood

reflective hopeful introspective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • public speaking
  • writing
  • teaching
  • community building

Key Concepts

Narrative theory existentialism social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you choose which stories to share?
  • What impact do you hope your story will have?
A Different Perspective

Stories may be forgotten or misinterpreted, limiting their impact.

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