Fiction Quote by Orson Scott Card
““Why else do we read fiction, anyway? Not to be impressed by somebody's dazzling language - or at least I hope that's not our reason. I think that most of us read these stories that we know are not 'true' because we're hungry for another kind of truth: The mythic truth about human nature in general, the particular truth about those life-communities that define our own identity, and the most specific truth of all: our own self-story.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Purpose of Fiction”, 1995
We read fiction for mythic and personal truths about humanity and self‑story, not just language.
In simple terms: Fiction reveals deeper truths about self.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning beyond surface language.
Themes
truth
identity
mythology
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- reading clubs
- creative writing
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
narrative theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What truth do you seek in stories?
- How does fiction shape your self‑view?
A Different Perspective
Fiction may reinforce biases.
