Stories only resonate when symbolic language is employed.
But when substance—truth, ethics, credibility, trust, etc.—is missing, or when the symbolism of the story matters more to the listener (or the teller) than the substance, there’s a problem.
And when the teller (or the listener) seeks to connect in a long-term way with the substance of a story, mere symbolism becomes a weak substitute for attaining deeper and longer lasting meaning.
Stories resonate deeper—and last longer—when substance is employed.
