If you're sitting in your minivan, playing your computer

"If you're sitting in your minivan, playing your computer animated films for your children in the back seat, is it the animation that's entertaining you as you drive and listen? No, it's the storytelling. That's why we put so much importance on story. No amount of great animation will save a bad story." These words by John Lasseter speak to a timeless truth: that storytelling is the heart of entertainment, and that no matter how dazzling or sophisticated the visuals may be, it is the narrative that truly captures the imagination. In an age where technology allows us to create lifelike images, animation can sometimes be mistaken for the primary source of engagement. Yet, as Lasseter wisely points out, it is not the complexity of the animation that holds our attention, but the story that draws us in, that makes us care. Without a powerful narrative, no amount of visual brilliance can elevate a work into something truly memorable.

The ancient storytellers understood this deep truth about the power of narrative. Consider Homer, whose epics The Iliad and The Odyssey have endured for millennia not because of any sophisticated visual effects but because of their deep engagement with human emotions, heroism, fate, and morality. The stories Homer told were woven into the fabric of ancient Greek life and values. The immortality of these tales came not from their form but from their content, from the way they captured the essence of human struggle, desire, and triumph. In this sense, storytelling is the eternal thread that ties all cultures together, for it speaks to the universal human experience.

Lasseter’s quote also carries an implicit critique of the modern world, where technological advancements often overshadow the fundamental qualities that make stories resonate with us. Animation today is more advanced than ever, creating stunningly detailed worlds and characters, yet without a compelling story, these dazzling visuals risk becoming mere spectacles. Think of Hollywood's over-reliance on blockbusters—films that dazzle with their effects but lack any depth in the narrative. While these films may attract large audiences, the most enduring and beloved films are those where the story transcends the effects. Whether it's the original Star Wars films or the classic Disney animated features like The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast, it is their stories that have made them timeless.

In the same vein, the rise of animated films and television series today continues to reinforce the importance of storytelling. For instance, Pixar's Toy Story, a film that revolutionized animation, remains beloved not because of its groundbreaking animation, but because of its universal theme: the fear of being replaced, the value of friendship, and the bittersweet nature of growth. Toy Story speaks to the heart of the human condition, using animation as a vehicle for these deep emotions. The same can be said for studio Ghibli's films, such as Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro, where beautiful animation serves only to elevate the profound stories about identity, belonging, and the connection between humans and nature. These films prove that when a story is well-told, the animation becomes a means of expression, not the end goal.

This principle can also be seen in the works of Shakespeare, whose plays have endured across centuries not because of the sets or costumes but because of the characters and stories he created. Consider the tragedy of Macbeth, whose tale of ambition, guilt, and fate resonates even today. It is not the historical accuracy or the spectacle of the play that captivates audiences but the universal themes of the human experience that Shakespeare laid bare. In Shakespeare’s works, the power of storytelling was so strong that they were adapted for different periods and audiences, continually speaking to the core of what it means to be human. His stories transcend time and place because they tap into the emotions and conflicts that are part of every culture.

Lasseter's statement reminds us that storytelling is not just about filling time or creating diversion. It is about connecting with others on a deep emotional level, stirring thoughts and feelings that linger long after the story ends. No matter how enticing the visuals, the heart of any great film, book, or piece of art lies in the story it tells. A story that does not resonate with its audience cannot be saved by flashy graphics or sophisticated animations. It must first and foremost connect to the soul of its viewers, igniting something within them, whether it be laughter, sadness, reflection, or awe.

The lesson, then, is clear: In our own lives, just as in art, the quality of our stories is paramount. It is not enough to impress or entertain through surface-level displays; we must seek to tell stories that move and inspire. Whether in our personal lives or our professional endeavors, it is the story—the purpose, the meaning, and the narrative arc that will endure. In relationships, in work, and in everything we create, we must remember that story is the vessel through which we truly connect with others. To live a meaningful life is to live a well-told story, one that touches the hearts of those around us and transcends the mere visuals or distractions of daily existence.

Thus, let us take John Lasseter’s words as a guide to our own creative and personal journeys. Let us focus not on the surface level—the flashy distractions or the external accolades—but on the depth of our stories. Whether in the art we create or the lives we live, let the story be the force that drives us. For it is the story that truly matters—the story that defines who we are, connects us with others, and has the power to leave a lasting impact. Let us commit to telling stories that illuminate the human experience, for in these stories, we will find the immortality we seek.