space between stories

Hope is a word that can either mean a wishful thinking or a premonition of a possibility. The next generation will have a better life, just not in the terms that a better life has been measured. But in terms of finding meaningful things to do, of having a sense that your life has meaning, that you’re contributing your gifts toward something important, that you are needed, and being part of a community that builds around doing something together, in those terms you will actually have a better life … lack of hardship doesn’t make anybody happy.

There used to be a story about how to live your life, and how to be a man, how to be a woman, how to do it, get good grades, get a good job, make prudent investments, and so on. For our parents it was to study, to get a PhD, and get a job and to contribute to the grand project of civilization. There used to be a map. That instruction manual no longer provides useful guidance. We’re in the space between stories. And the new structures haven’t emerged yet. You can’t just go find a job that meets the need to do something meaningful. You have to kind of create one.

story that gives a powerful reason to live

operative mythological image

linked mentions for "space between stories":

1. cult of experts
   The Cult of Experts. “The people more competent than we are in innumerable fields of endeavor,” (Girard), with their “Follow These Five Steps”