Reflections 20th December

What's on my mind

The power of story, and the responsibility of those of who tell them to themselves and others.

As we go into further restrictions, and personally the first Christmas in 45 years when we will not be with family, I cannot doubt the neccessity of the restrictions we are being asked to observe. However, the people flocking last night to disobey them by fleeing London before the limits kicked in had not bought any story other than their own. They had no buy in to what we need as community. I understand it - there was no real story to tell them otherwise.

"Following the science" is a management policy, not a story, and very few people get inspired by management policies.

We know lots about how stories work. Our hero(ine) leaves the normal world to set out into the unknown, to face a road of trials and meet mentors and antagonists, before finding, often uexpectedly what they seek and bringing it home. Applause and tears all round, except of course when they don't find it, and w…