Man and woman Quote by Thomas Hardy
““A story must be exceptional enough to justify its telling. We storytellers are all ancient mariners, and none of us is justified in stopping wedding guests, unless he has something more unusual to relate than the ordinary experiences of every average man and woman.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, 1891
Storytelling must be compelling and novel to justify its existence; ordinary tales lack impact.
In simple terms: Stories need to be special to be worth telling.
Key Takeaway
Seek uniqueness in narratives.
Themes
creativity
storytelling
originality
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- marketing pitches
- public speaking
- branding
Key Concepts
narrative theory
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a story unforgettable?
- How can ordinary experiences become extraordinary?
A Different Perspective
Not all audiences value novelty over relatability.
