"You want people to feel something when you tell a story, whether they feel happy or whether they feel sad"

Harry Dean Stanton's quote underscores the essential function and power of storytelling: to evoke feeling. At its core, storytelling is a tool for connecting with others on a personal and psychological level. When Stanton states, "You want people to feel something when you tell a story", he highlights the importance of taking advantage of the audience's feelings, as this is what makes a story remarkable and impactful.

The concept of whether the audience feels "happy or ... unfortunate" suggests that the value of a story is not always in its ability to produce a particular sort of feeling, but rather in its capacity to generate any authentic emotional action. This highlights the diverse psychological spectrum that storytelling can traverse. Joy and unhappiness are simply two ends of a broad spectrum, with myriad other emotions-- such as worry, enjoyment, empathy, and nostalgia-- lying in between. Stanton appreciates that the efficiency of a story lies in its capability to move people, and it is these emotions that foster a connection in between the writer and the audience.

Stanton's perspective likewise touches on the subjective nature of storytelling. Different stories resonate with various audiences based upon personal experiences, values, and viewpoints. By crafting a story that is mentally appealing, storytellers can reach a broad audience, each member relating to and interpreting the story in a special way.

Furthermore, the psychological journey elicited by a story can cause introspection and individual growth. By feeling and reviewing these feelings, audiences can gain deeper insights into themselves and the world around them. In this method, Stanton elevates storytelling beyond simple entertainment, placing it as an avenue for compassion, understanding, and shared human experience.

Overall, Stanton's words advise us that the essence of storytelling lies in its emotive power, welcoming us to not just listen to stories however to feel them deeply.