Where has the story gone?

Perhaps the problem with modern society is that we have too much information and too few stories.  Everyone is rushing around in a blur and cramming their heads and moments full of the latest gossip, news, and trends, but rarely do we pause to consider what all this information means.  That is what separates us from computers and encyclopedias: the ability to understand and appreciate all that data.  I have never met a computer and doubt I shall ever meet a robot (no matter how many centuries I live) that appreciates a good story.  They can analyze it from every side, know it word for word in twenty seven languages but they will never understand what it means.  They can calculate what a math equation means but a story they will never comprehend.  Sometimes I wonder if we are losing that ability ourselves?  The movie theater is our modern storytelling medium of choice, but sadly they have lost the art (for the most part) of a good story.  It is all about graphics, action, violence, horror, bad comedy, or sensuality.  Plot and character are rarely found in modern films.  I found one example by shear luck.

It was back in the days of yore, just before the release of Return of the King, and back in my college days when I had time to go see a movie just for the trailers which makes absolutely no sense at all, but nonetheless true.  But we went to see Second Hand Lions, knowing nothing of the actual movie but hoping to see the trailer to the last installment of Lord of the Rings.  The theater did not show the trailer, but the movie turned out to be one of my all time favorites.  It is a movie with heart, plot, characters, and is just downright fun.  It is what a movie should be, but sadly it is a feat not oft repeated.  So if ever you are bored and not content with a book (gasp!), this might be a little movie worth watching.  It starts out as every good story does, with a lonely kid who has no purpose or meaning in life.  Over the course of the movie we learn just what it is that makes life worth living.  Love!  Is not that the heart of every good story?  It also involves airplanes, lions, annoying relatives, and sheiks, what could be better?

We all need a little story in our lives, otherwise we are little more than computers.  Watch a good movie, listen to great music, pick up an old book, try and figure out what exactly the "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is all about, or maybe Dr. Seuss is more your style of poetry?  Whatever it is, get a little more story in your life.  More money, fame, or time will never make us happier but a good story just might!