Matthew, this is a remarkably thoughtful, ambitious essay. You’ve woven together philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and even materials science with a playful, engaging voice that really stands out. There’s something both intellectually rigorous and warmly human here—and that’s not easy to pull off.
If I may offer some reader-to-writer reflections—because this piece deserves to reach its fullest potential—there are a few patterns that emerged for me.
First, the lightbulb section is genuinely brilliant. It’s a masterclass in how narrative illuminates even the most mundane objects. That said, it’s a double-edged sword—beautifully written but perhaps a bit overextended. Midway through, I found myself thinking, "This is fascinating... but wait, weren’t we talking about storytelling?" A slight trim—not to the poetry of it, but to some of the more intricate mechanics—would keep the reader tethered to the main thread.
Second, the central question, "What is a story?" is artfully posed but never quite resolved. And maybe that’s intentional. But as a reader, I longed for a moment where the fog lifted—a simple, even provisional, definition to hold onto before you return us to the mystery. Something like:
A story is the act of assigning meaning to experience—a survival tool, a connection device, a mirror, and sometimes, a weapon.
You wouldn’t be boxed in by offering that. Instead, it might anchor readers before you take them into the lyrical ending.
Third, structurally, the essay could breathe more clearly with signposts. Each section contains genuine gold, but sometimes the transitions feel like an enthusiastic conversation where ideas tumble over each other. Even light headers like "The Lightbulb Lesson," "The Evolutionary Blueprint," or "The Double-Edged Sword of Story" would help guide the reader’s journey without sacrificing the essay’s exploratory spirit.
That said, this is seriously good work. Your curiosity is infectious, and your voice strikes that rare balance between smart and warm. I found myself not just thinking about stories differently, but feeling their weight in a deeper way.
I hope you’ll keep developing this thread—it’s rich ground. And if you ever want to bounce ideas around, workshop a draft, or even just nerd out about the craft of narrative, I’d happily be part of that conversation. You’ve absolutely got the voice, the mind, and the chops for this work.
Looking forward to the sneak peek at chapter one when it drops.
—Mick | The Doctor of Digital
Book coach, story mentor, and unapologetic storyteller
Trusted Book Advisor to C-Suite | Manuscript Doctor 🚨 | Transforming Drafts into Authority Assets | Strategic Ghostwriting & Publishing Guidance | Literary CPR for Elite Experts | PhD | Voice Talent | Podcaster
This is what I love to see! I appreciate the praise, but insights into what I could do differently going forward is like gold dust to me. I seriously look forward to using these pointers for my next pieces as they genuinely seem actionable, as I write quite similarly on all things! Thanks again for taking the time to read and give notes, and I hope to get updated pointers going forward!
This is an exceptionally thoughtful, eloquent, and ambitious piece. It blends personal reflection with intellectual depth, moving seamlessly from philosophy to science to evolution without ever losing the emotional thread. Your voice is both warm and curious, and the lightbulb metaphor? Genuinely brilliant—grounded, vivid, and illustrative of your central argument. You’ve not only explored what stories are, but why we tell them, how they shape us, and what’s at stake when we forget their power. It’s rare to find something that’s this smart and still so human. Phenomenal work.
Matthew, this is a remarkably thoughtful, ambitious essay. You’ve woven together philosophy, psychology, anthropology, and even materials science with a playful, engaging voice that really stands out. There’s something both intellectually rigorous and warmly human here—and that’s not easy to pull off.
If I may offer some reader-to-writer reflections—because this piece deserves to reach its fullest potential—there are a few patterns that emerged for me.
First, the lightbulb section is genuinely brilliant. It’s a masterclass in how narrative illuminates even the most mundane objects. That said, it’s a double-edged sword—beautifully written but perhaps a bit overextended. Midway through, I found myself thinking, "This is fascinating... but wait, weren’t we talking about storytelling?" A slight trim—not to the poetry of it, but to some of the more intricate mechanics—would keep the reader tethered to the main thread.
Second, the central question, "What is a story?" is artfully posed but never quite resolved. And maybe that’s intentional. But as a reader, I longed for a moment where the fog lifted—a simple, even provisional, definition to hold onto before you return us to the mystery. Something like:
A story is the act of assigning meaning to experience—a survival tool, a connection device, a mirror, and sometimes, a weapon.
You wouldn’t be boxed in by offering that. Instead, it might anchor readers before you take them into the lyrical ending.
Third, structurally, the essay could breathe more clearly with signposts. Each section contains genuine gold, but sometimes the transitions feel like an enthusiastic conversation where ideas tumble over each other. Even light headers like "The Lightbulb Lesson," "The Evolutionary Blueprint," or "The Double-Edged Sword of Story" would help guide the reader’s journey without sacrificing the essay’s exploratory spirit.
That said, this is seriously good work. Your curiosity is infectious, and your voice strikes that rare balance between smart and warm. I found myself not just thinking about stories differently, but feeling their weight in a deeper way.
I hope you’ll keep developing this thread—it’s rich ground. And if you ever want to bounce ideas around, workshop a draft, or even just nerd out about the craft of narrative, I’d happily be part of that conversation. You’ve absolutely got the voice, the mind, and the chops for this work.
Looking forward to the sneak peek at chapter one when it drops.
—Mick | The Doctor of Digital
Book coach, story mentor, and unapologetic storyteller
Trusted Book Advisor to C-Suite | Manuscript Doctor 🚨 | Transforming Drafts into Authority Assets | Strategic Ghostwriting & Publishing Guidance | Literary CPR for Elite Experts | PhD | Voice Talent | Podcaster
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This is what I love to see! I appreciate the praise, but insights into what I could do differently going forward is like gold dust to me. I seriously look forward to using these pointers for my next pieces as they genuinely seem actionable, as I write quite similarly on all things! Thanks again for taking the time to read and give notes, and I hope to get updated pointers going forward!
Trusted Book Advisor to C-Suite | Manuscript Doctor 🚨 | Transforming Drafts into Authority Assets | Strategic Ghostwriting & Publishing Guidance | Literary CPR for Elite Experts | PhD | Voice Talent | Podcaster
Want free writing tips?
https://forms.gle/rLFrG9UuDyoJJUtn9
Free Writing Lesson on Skool
https://www.skool.com/kommunity-pulse-4773/classroom/4a2edb2f?md=2c6c64f9670242cc89fb067ad66262fc
On Skool, where are you from? Could you take a picture of your writing space?
https://www.skool.com/kommunity-pulse-4773/welcome-introduce-yourself-share-a-pic-of-your-writing-place?p=a581013c
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/g-mick-smith-24495127/
Let's chat
https://calendly.com/thedoctorofdigital-pm/30min
Subbed!
this is a thought provoking work of literature. my god, what can’t he do?
Loved your piece, Matthew.
If your essay traces the evolutionary power of storytelling, mine looks at what happens when stories fall under algorithmic rule.
From campfire to code—what do we lose, and what still burns?
Read mine here: Stories Under the Reign of AI
https://open.substack.com/pub/thecornertable/p/stories-under-the-reign-of-ai
This is so insightful, thanks for sharing!
Wow this was so detailed and enveloping! Great job!👏
It's amazing!
Keep it up..💫
I sure intend to try! Thanks for giving the time to read!
This is an exceptionally thoughtful, eloquent, and ambitious piece. It blends personal reflection with intellectual depth, moving seamlessly from philosophy to science to evolution without ever losing the emotional thread. Your voice is both warm and curious, and the lightbulb metaphor? Genuinely brilliant—grounded, vivid, and illustrative of your central argument. You’ve not only explored what stories are, but why we tell them, how they shape us, and what’s at stake when we forget their power. It’s rare to find something that’s this smart and still so human. Phenomenal work.
<3 - As over the moon as ever to receive praise from as talented a writer as yourself Chloe! I hope you realise how much I appreciate it.