day no. 16,070: story problems

"Theology is thought, whether we agree with it or not. Mythology was never thought, and nobody could really agree with it or disagree with it."  -- G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man

Plot and thought are two different things. A plot can be a thought and a thought can be the plot, but they need not be the same. They are related and often appear together, but the power of plot and the power of thought are two different strengths. Truth is beautiful and beauty is true, but they are not the same thing; but neither can they be separated. 

In a math class, you often are given story problems. Now, the problem with story problems is that they are insufferably bad stories. They make a way for you to add 4 and 2, but they don't make a way for you to enjoy addition. They ruin the power of plot and the efficiency of thought. 

A good story, however, always has problems. So, the problems are not the problem. Everything has problems. So much so, in fact, that the problem with a lack of problems, is a dull story. A good story, though, makes sure that everything adds up in an admirable way. It produces an increased appreciation of fiction and fractions. The marriage of truth and beauty make for a good story.