“Borges said there are only four stories to tell: a love story between two people, a love story between three people, the struggle for power and the voyage. All of us writers rewrite these same stories ad infinitum.”
Decryption of quote
"Borges said there are only four stories to tell: a love story between two people, a love story between three people, the struggle for power and the voyage. All of us writers rewrite these same stories ad infinitum."
Imagine a world where every story ever told can be boiled down to just four fundamental themes. According to Borges, a renowned writer and thinker, these themes are the essence of human experience and the foundation of all narratives.
At the heart of storytelling lies the eternal dance of love, whether it be the intimate bond between two souls or the complex dynamics of a trio. Love is a force that drives us, inspires us, and ultimately defines us as human beings.
But love is not the only driving force in our lives. The struggle for power, whether it be political, social, or personal, is a universal theme that has captivated storytellers for centuries. It is a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the eternal quest for dominance.
And then there is the voyage, the journey into the unknown, both literal and metaphorical. It is a story of exploration, discovery, and self-discovery, as characters embark on a quest for knowledge, enlightenment, or simply a new beginning.
These four stories are the building blocks of all narratives, the threads that weave together the tapestry of human experience. As writers, we are constantly drawn to these themes, exploring them in new and creative ways, yet always returning to the same fundamental truths.
It is a reminder that, no matter how unique or original our stories may seem, they are ultimately rooted in the same timeless themes that have been passed down through generations. In rewriting these stories ad infinitum, we are not simply retelling old tales, but adding our own voices to the eternal conversation of humanity.
So the next time you sit down to write, remember Borges' words and consider the profound simplicity of storytelling. Embrace the universal themes that connect us all, and let your own unique voice shine through as you add to the rich tapestry of human experience.
love power story writing