THE DIFFERENCES: MYTH, LITERATURE, AND HISTORY The difference between a myth and

THE DIFFERENCES: MYTH, LITERATURE, AND HISTORY

The difference between a myth and a lie is that it’s identifiable as an exaggeration and therefore a magnification of reality, and therefore a bit of wisdom – a universal – while never crossing the line into claiming any aspect of the myth is true. An advice of the universal.

The difference between literature and myth is that it’s identifiable as a dramatization: a bit of circumstantial wisdom – a lower resolution than myth: a magnification of the interpersonal, rather than all of reality – an advice of the social.

The difference between history and literature is that it’s principally identifiable as a record of our mistakes: a bit of humility – an advice of cautions.