Getting Readers to Remember and Resonate with Your Stories Using Confucius Insights
by Olivia Salter
I’ve crafted this article to explore the quote’s relevance to fiction writing, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and storytelling techniques.
Let’s explore the wisdom behind the famous saying, “I hear and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.” Although it's often attributed to Confucius, it’s essential to understand its origins and implications for writers and storytellers.
The Origin of the Quote
The quote has an air of pseudo-profundity, but interestingly, Confucius never actually said these exact words. Instead, it appears to be a misattribution. Chinese sources point to a similar phrase by Xunzi, a Confucian philosopher:
不闻不若闻之，闻之不若见之，见之不若知之，知之不若行之；学至于行之而止矣.
Rough translation: “Not hearing is not as good as hearing, hearing is not as good as seeing, seeing is not as good as knowing, knowing is not as good as acting; true learning continues until it is put into action.”
Both quotes emphasize the value of experiential learning, but the English version adds the memory aspect. So, we can consider it a liberal translation or adaptation of Xunzi’s wisdom.
Implications for Fiction Writers
As fiction writers, we can draw several insights from this saying:
-
Show, Don’t Tell: The essence of storytelling lies in showing rather than telling. When you describe a character’s emotions, actions, or surroundings, readers engage more deeply. Instead of saying, “She was sad,” show her wiping away tears or gazing out the window on a rainy day.
-
Engage the Senses: Engage readers’ senses by vividly describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. When characters interact with their environment, readers remember and connect emotionally. For instance, don’t just mention a rose; describe its velvety petals and delicate fragrance.
-
Character Development: Characters evolve through their experiences. Allow them to learn, grow, and change by putting them in situations where they must act. Their decisions and actions reveal their true nature and understanding.
-
Reader Immersion: Readers remember scenes that evoke emotions and involve them. Whether it’s a thrilling chase, a heartwarming reunion, or a bittersweet farewell, immerse readers in the moment. Make them feel, and they’ll remember.
-
Themes and Morals: Like Xunzi’s emphasis on learning through action, your stories can convey deeper themes and morals. Characters’ choices and consequences illustrate life’s lessons. Let readers discover these truths alongside your characters.
In summary, as writers, we don’t merely want readers to hear or see—we want them to understand. So, let your characters live, experience, and grow, and your readers will remember and resonate with your stories.
