"كل الأدب العظيم هو أحد قصتين رجل يذهب في رحلة أو غريب يأتي إلى البلدة"

The essence of this quote is that, at its core, all compelling stories boil down to two fundamental narratives: either someone sets out on an adventure, or an outsider arrives, shaking things up in some way. Think about it. Almost every story you love fits into one of these two molds.

Consider when and why this was said—it was first introduced by the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. During his time, Tolstoy was diving deep into the human experience through his writing. He realized that, regardless of the cultural or historical context, these two storylines resonated universally. There’s something inherently human about the urge to explore the unknown or the disruption brought by the unfamiliar.

Let’s dive into a real-life example to bring this concept to life. Picture Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz". Her house gets swept away by a tornado (which, in essence, brings a stranger to the land of Oz). She embarks on an incredible journey, meeting fascinating characters and learning profound lessons about herself and her desires. Her adventure—her journey—captures our hearts. We see her transformation and growth. This storyline keeps us hooked because it’s about more than just the physical journey. It’s about the emotional and psychological voyage, too.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Think about your own stories. If you’re crafting a tale, consider whether your plot fits into one of these categories. Are you sending your protagonist on an adventure, forcing them to leave their comfort zone and explore the unknown? Or are you introducing a new character who disrupts the status quo, forcing everyone to adapt and grow? This framework can help you structure your narrative in a way that taps into these deep-seated human experiences.

Imagine you’re at a neighborhood barbecue, and someone new moves in next door. This stranger's arrival throws the entire block into a whirlwind of speculation and excitement. Perhaps they have a mysterious past or bring new, innovative ideas to an otherwise traditional town. Suddenly, everyone’s lives are interconnected and evolving—right at your own front porch. This is the second type of story. It’s about the impact of the new arrival and how it changes everything.

Now, let’s say you decide to take a gap year after college. You pack your bags and head to a country halfway across the globe. The journey challenges you in ways you never anticipated. You learn new languages, meet diverse people, and confront parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. This personal adventure isn’t just about the physical travel; it’s about your internal growth and the stories you’ll bring back home.

In your everyday life, you can use this wisdom for more than just storytelling. If you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s time for you to embark on your own journey—take that trip, start that new project, or learn that new skill. Or, if things feel stagnant, introduce something—or someone—new into your life. You never know what changes and growth that might spark.

So, next time you’re engrossed in a book or a movie, or even reflecting on your own experiences, think about this idea. Is it about a journey? Or a newcomer shaking things up? This simple framework might just help you connect more deeply with the stories all around you.