The ability to imagine collectively gave birth to fiction such as the bible, tribal stories, nationalist myths of modern states. Such fiction allowed us to cooperate flexibly in large numbers.
In the past we were constrained by kin – we only cared about those that were related to us, which limited us to groups of below 150. After the cognitive revolution, however, we learned to cooperate with anyone who shared our belief in fiction. Harari gives many examples of that: "Churches are rooted in common religious myths. Two Catholics who have never met can nevertheless go together on crusade or pool funds to build a hospital because they both believe that God was incarnated in human flesh and allowed Himself to be crucified to redeem our sins."
These myths are not limited to religions: "States are rooted in common national myths. Two Serbs who have never met might risk their lives to save one another because both believe in the existence of the common Serbian nation, the Serbian homeland and the Serbian flag. Judical systems are rooted in common legal myths. Two lawyers who have never met can nevertheless combine efforts to defend a complete stranger because they both believe in the existence of laws, justice, human rights - and the money paid out in fees."
Stories compel us to cooperate in such incredible ways. Yet, none of these things exist – they are just stories people tell themselves over and over again. There are no gods in the universe, no nations, no money, no human rights, no laws, and no justice outside our imagination. We're living in a dual reality of rivers, lions, and trees; and of gods, nations, and corporations.
This characteristic shows the immense power stories have. And, the person who can tell stories effectively, can dominate millions of strangers to cooperate and work towards a common goal. Here the words of Harari gain more relevance ’ A single priest often does the work of a hundred soldiers – far more cheaply and effectively.'
Relevant notes (PN: )/questions (Q:):
P: Collective imagination made us human (intersubjectivity): collective imagination or in one word intersubjectivity is the thing that makes us different from different Homo.
TK PN: Intersubjectivity makes us fragile: the other side of the coin of stories
Connect it to the black swan and narratives
We don't have strong defence mechanisms against stories as B.J. Fogg said.
Q: How to actually persuade someone?: stories are the vehicle for your arguments. Btw., I would love to read a book on storytelling.