The Shape of Mythic Lies.

• Author: Clinton, Michelle T.

There is a story that we are told. There is a story that we hear again & again. And so we hear the story and so we believe the story. The story is shaped like this: Once, in a time in the past there were people who were like we are except they were happier than we are now they were luckier than we are now they were better than we are now. Once it is clear that in the past people were happier, luckier & better than we are now something happens to them. Something bad happens to them & it's sometimes their own damned fault but sometimes it's not. The middle of the story is that the people lose their luck & their happiness through a terrible change. And the end of the story is that the people become us. And so we are unhappy & unlucky & maybe we've done it to ourselves & yesterday is better than today & here we are & don't be surprised if all this makes you depressed. This is the shape of mythic lies: exalted people in an exalted past a dreadful change & this horrible now. This story believes your best worth is in...