“Myth is supposed to bring us together, but fantasy alienates us.”

Simplified Meaning:

Stories or tales passed down through generations, like myths, help people feel connected because they share common beliefs and traditions. These shared stories give a sense of belonging and help people understand their place in the world. For example, many cultures have creation myths that explain how the world began, and these stories unite people with a common origin. On the other hand, fantasy involves imaginary worlds and characters that can often lead people to escape reality, making them feel isolated. It's like when someone spends too much time in a video game or reading a fantasy book and begins to lose touch with real life and real connections with other people. While both myths and fantasies are interesting and enjoyable, myths help build community and shared identity, whereas fantasies can sometimes pull people away from real social interactions. To apply this idea, someone might focus on engaging more with communal activities and shared cultural experiences rather than getting lost in purely personal or imaginary pursuits. This can lead to stronger bonds with others and a greater sense of togetherness.