Anthropologists believe that stories evolved so early humans could share important information. “That furry thing with the sharp teeth isn’t your friend. Let me tell you a tale about someone who made that mistake.” We learn better when we’re emotional, and stories evoke emotion in a way that dry facts do not. Stories make us feel, and feelings help us remember lessons that could save our lives. But even though (most of us) these days don’t have to worry about getting eaten, storytelling still guides us. A good story warns us who we don’t want to become or gives us an ideal to strive towards. Stories still save our lives — if not from hungry predators, then from ourselves.