Today in the third installment of One Cause: Rethinking Our Relationship with Nature to Create a Thriving Future we’ll explores the cultural narratives—our collective stories—that have sustained and perpetuated the Great Untruths (GUTs). Through myths, media, education, and societal norms, these stories have shaped our worldview, deepening the Gap between humanity and a regenerative future. By understanding these divisive stories, we can begin rewriting them with narratives of connection, collaboration, and transformation.
So, let’s get started.
Zak Bates and Tess Barkley sat quietly on a hillside overlooking what once was a vibrant, thriving forest, now a barren urban sprawl. The silence between them felt heavy, weighed down by the view. Tess broke it, her voice soft but tinged with frustration. “Humans tell themselves stories to make sense of the world. But somewhere along the way, the stories stopped serving the Earth and started destroying it.” She gestured toward the gray, lifeless horizon. How do you change a story that everyone believes?” (By the way, if you’re new to my writing, Zak and Tess are two of my fictional characters that appear in my eco-fiction and head up the Eco-Guardian team. We’ll be hearing from them throughout this series.)
Zak glanced at her, thoughtful, his brow furrowing as he tried to answer. Finally, he said, “Maybe you start by asking who’s telling the story… and why.”
Their conversation lingered in the air as they watched the wind carry dust across the empty landscape, setting the stage for this exploration of the power of stories: how they shape our reality and why rewriting them is essential.
The Power of Stories
Stories have always been the threads that weave our understanding of the world. They tell us who we are, what matters, and how we should live. But stories are not neutral; they can guide us toward harmony, or lead us astray.
Take a moment to think about a campfire. It’s warm, inviting, and brings people together, but if untended, it can spark a wildfire. Stories function much the same way. When rooted in balance and wisdom, they can inspire us to care for each other and the planet. But when shaped by fear, greed, or disconnection, they can divide us and justify harm.
For much of human history, stories celebrated our connection with nature. Indigenous myths often spoke of balance and reciprocity—an understanding that humans are one part of a vast, interdependent web of life. But as civilizations expanded, these narratives shifted. Take, for example, the biblical idea that humans have dominion over the Earth. This story placed humans above nature, fostering an attitude of control and exploitation.
I still remember my journey to the Ecuadorian rainforest in 2022. Walking among towering trees, hearing the symphony of life all around me, I felt something shift within. Indigenous guides spoke of their belief that every tree, every stream, every creature is alive and sacred. It was a reminder of the stories we’ve forgotten, and it deepened my commitment to rewriting the story of humanity’s relationship with the Earth.
The Stories That Perpetuate the Gap
"Words do not label things already there. Words are like the knife of a carver: they free the idea, the thing, from the general formlessness of the outside." —Attributed to the Inuit People
Stories don’t just describe our reality—they create it. The narratives we tell ourselves about nature and progress influence everything: our beliefs, our actions, and the world we shape as a result. Many of these cultural stories, however, are rooted in what I call the Great Untruths (GUTs).
(A reminder: this is a phrase and distinction I borrowed from Gret Lukianoff and Johnathan Haidt, authors of The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure.)
“While many propositions are untrue, in order to be classified as a Great Untruth, an idea must meet three criteria:
1. It contradicts ancient wisdom (ideas found widely in the wisdom literatures of many cultures).
2. It contradicts modern psychological research on well-being.
3. It harms the individuals and communities who embrace it.”
These untruths perpetuate a disconnect between humanity and nature, driving us further from the regenerative future we need to build.
The Great Untruth #1: We Are Separate from Nature
This untruth tells us that humans are somehow above and apart from nature—a perspective that’s deeply ingrained in many cultural stories. Wilderness is often portrayed as something to be conquered, as if the natural world exists only to serve human ambitions. This mindset has shaped countless actions, from clearing forests for agriculture to draining wetlands for urban expansion.
Think of how history lessons describe “taming the land” or how films like The Revenant show nature as an adversary, harsh and hostile. These stories make it harder to see ourselves as part of the natural world, woven into its fabric.
But here’s a contrasting thought: Indigenous cultures have long told stories that celebrate interconnection, reminding us that we are not separate from nature—we are nature. What would it look like to reclaim those kinds of stories in our daily lives?
Have you ever felt a moment of awe in nature, like watching a sunset or hearing birdsong? Those moments remind us of the truth: we are part of this world, not above it. It’s one of the reasons I start my days with a “sun salutation” as a stand out on my deck welcoming the sun and being grateful for the beauty that surrounds me.
The Great Untruth #2: More Is Always Better
“Bigger is better.” “You can never have too much.” These phrases sum up the heart of this untruth, which fuels overconsumption and environmental harm. Advertisers constantly promise happiness through the latest gadget, the trendiest clothes, or the biggest house. But do those things actually bring us lasting satisfaction?
Take Black Friday as an example. People camp outside stores, rush through aisles, and fight over discounted TVs. And for what? Often, these purchases are driven by the thrill of the hunt rather than real need. Advertisers and marketers know how to tap into this frenzy, convincing us that “more” will make us happier, more successful, or more fulfilled.
But here’s the truth: studies have shown that more doesn’t always equate to more happiness. Research from Princeton University found that day-to-day happiness increases with income up to about $75,000, after which the returns diminish. Beyond that point, additional income provides little added joy. Personally, I believe that number could be far lower, especially when we focus on what truly matters in life—relationships, purpose, and experiences.
Consider this too: many products are designed to fail. “Designed obsolescence” ensures that items like smartphones and appliances have short lifespans, forcing us to replace them often. This cycle of consumption leads to overflowing landfills and wasted resources. Meanwhile, industries thrive on our compulsion to buy more than we need. In the U.S., the self-storage industry has exploded, with over 50,000 facilities offering more than 2.1 billion square feet of rentable space. That’s about 6.1 square feet for every person in the country. Around 9.4% of households rent storage units, pointing to how much we’ve bought into this untruth. And let’s not forget the growing issue of hoarding, which affects an estimated 2% to 6% of the population, further highlighting our attachment to “stuff.”
So, what happens when we step off this treadmill? What if we questioned the belief that more is always better? A simple meal shared with friends, a book that’s been read and re-read, or a quiet walk in nature—these bring joy without the cost of “more.” Reflect on the things in your life that already bring you happiness without adding clutter or stress.
What would change if we redefined “enough” and focused on experiences, relationships, and purpose over possessions? The answers might surprise you—and they might just free you from the cycle of chasing “more.”
To Be Continued...
In the next installment, we’ll dive deeper into the belief that Earth’s resources are limitless and the myth that technology alone will save us. Together, we’ll explore how to challenge these Great Untruths and rewrite the story of humanity’s future. Stay tuned!
Brad
(Eco-author and Eco-Guardian in training)
P.S. Thank you for joining us on this journey to explore the stories that shape our lives—and the future of our planet.
What stories do you see around you that need to change? Share your thoughts by commenting, and if this resonates with you, please share it with your friends and family.
Let’s grow this community of Eco-Guardians in training! If you haven’t already, subscribe to follow the series. Together, we can write a new story.
Share this post