Skip to content

Common people Quote by Riane Eisler

“Many cultural stories worldwide present the domination system as the only human alternative. Fairy tales romanticize the rule of kings and queens over “common people.” Classics such as Homers Illiad and Shakespeare’s kings trilogy romanticize “Heroic violence.” Many religious stories present men’s…” quote by Riane Eisler
Download Open image
““Many cultural stories worldwide present the domination system as the only human alternative. Fairy tales romanticize the rule of kings and queens over “common people.” Classics such as Homers Illiad and Shakespeare’s kings trilogy romanticize “Heroic violence.” Many religious stories present men’s control, even ownership, of women as normal and moral. These stories came out of the times that oriented much more closely to a “pure” domination system. Along with newer stories that perpetuate these limited beliefs about human nature, they play a major role in how we view our world and how we live in it. But precisely because stories are so important in shaping values, new narratives can help change unhealthy values. Of particular importance are new stories about human nature. We need new narratives that give us a more complete and accurate picture of who we are and who we can be - stories that show that our enormous capacities for consciousness, creativity and caring are integral to human evolution, that these capacities are what make us distinctively human.””

Riane Eisler

About This Quote

Source Book: The Real Wealth of Nations, Riane Eisler, 1995

Stories shape societal values; dominant narratives often glorify domination, while new narratives can foster equality and human potential.

In simple terms: Stories influence how we view power and humanity.

Key Takeaway

Promote narratives that highlight cooperation and creativity.

Themes

culture power gender storytelling

Mood

critical hopeful

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • education curricula
  • media production
  • community workshops

Key Concepts

feminist theory social change

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which stories in your life reinforce domination?
  • How can you create or share alternative narratives?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep-rooted narratives is slow and meets resistance.

3.0 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Riane Eisler

Explore all 63 Riane Eisler quotes

More Common people quotes

Browse all 297 Common people quotes