Apathy Quote by Paul Rogat Loeb
“As Joanna Macy reminds us, "Information by itself can increase resistance [to engagement], deepening the sense of apathy and powerlessness." Stories about particular individuals and specific situations usually have the opposite effect. By giving unwieldy problems a human face, they also bring them down to a human-and thus manageable-scale.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Narrative in Social Change, 2012
Human stories make abstract problems relatable, reducing apathy and empowering action.
In simple terms: Stories turn abstract issues into personal ones.
Use personal narratives to inspire engagement.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- community organizing
- education campaigns
- media reporting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Which personal story most moved you?
- How can we ensure stories represent broader realities?
Stories can oversimplify complex issues.