John le Carre: 'I mean, I'm in the business of storytelling, not message making.'

I mean, I'm in the business of storytelling, not message making.

John le Carre, a renowned author known for his captivating spy novels, once stated, "I mean, I'm in the business of storytelling, not message making." This quote succinctly captures the essence of his literary approach and highlights the significance of storytelling as an art form. Le Carre's assertion emphasizes that while his narratives may contain themes and commentary, his primary objective is to captivate readers through the power of storytelling itself, rather than attempting to convey a specific message.In today's age of social media and instant communication, where messages and agendas seem to dominate every facet of our lives, le Carre's words offer a refreshing perspective on the role of storytelling. With his remark, he separates himself from the ranks of didactic writers – those who employ their work as a means to deliver a specific message or moral to their audience. Instead, le Carre sees himself as an artisan of storytelling, focused on the craft of weaving intricate plots, developing complex characters, and immersing readers in vividly imagined worlds.This approach aligns with an unexpected philosophical concept – existentialism. The philosophy of existentialism emphasizes the individual's freedom and responsibility to create their own meaning in life. By drawing a parallel between le Carre's artistic pursuit and existentialism, one can explore the idea that storytelling, free from the constraints of predefined messages, can allow readers to find their own interpretations and create personal meaning from the narrative.In contrast to didactic works, which may seek to persuade or teach, le Carre's emphasis on storytelling as a medium separates the storyteller from the listener or reader. This separation allows the audience to engage with the narrative on a deeper level, enabling them to draw their own conclusions and experience a sense of autonomy. By withholding a predetermined message, le Carre empowers his readers to forge their own interpretations, resulting in a richer and more personal connection to the story.In a world saturated with overt messages and an incessant desire to persuade, le Carre's focus on storytelling as an end unto itself promotes the exploration of themes and ideas without an explicit agenda. Rather than spoon-feeding readers a message, his approach encourages thoughtful contemplation and engagement with the text. Through this lens, storytelling becomes a conduit for introspection and personal growth, allowing readers to draw from their own experiences and perspectives to find personal meaning within the story's fabric.Moreover, le Carre's assertion raises the question of whether the pursuit of pure storytelling, untethered by explicit messages, has the potential to elicit deeper emotional responses. By immersing readers in meticulously crafted narratives that prioritize the art of storytelling itself, le Carre sparks a sense of wonder, mystery, and suspense, enabling readers to become fully engrossed in the tale. This engagement creates an emotional connection that transcends any predefined message and enables readers to experience the story on a visceral level.In conclusion, John le Carre's quote, "I mean, I'm in the business of storytelling, not message making," encapsulates his artistic approach and the significance of storytelling as a standalone art form. By separating himself from the realm of message-driven literature, le Carre invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal interpretation. This perspective aligns with existentialist thought, emphasizing the individual's freedom to find their own meaning within narratives. Through his focus on storytelling for its inherent value, le Carre empowers readers to engage deeply, eliciting genuine emotional responses and fostering a profound connection to the story at hand. Embracing the power of storytelling itself, free from rigid messages, opens up endless possibilities for exploration, introspection, and personal growth.