One lesson we can learn from pre-industrial peoples is the power of storytelling. I am struck by how important storytelling is among tribal peoples; it forms the basis of their educational systems. The Celtic peoples, for example, insisted that only the poets could be teachers. Why? I think it is because knowledge that is not passed through the heart is dangerous: it may lack wisdom; it may be a power trip; it may squelch life out of the learners. What if our educational systems were to insist that teachers be poets and storytellers and artists? What transformations would follow?

Summary

This quote highlights the significance of storytelling in traditional societies, particularly among tribal peoples. It points out that storytelling serves as the foundation of their education, with poetry being the only acceptable form of teaching in some Celtic cultures. The author suggests that this emphasis on storytelling is due to the belief that knowledge devoid of emotion and wisdom can be detrimental, as it may lead to abuse of power and stifling of personal growth. Therefore, the author proposes a thought-provoking idea: what if formal education systems prioritized teachers who were poets, storytellers, and artists? The quote encourages contemplating the potential transformations that could arise from such a shift in educational approach.

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