You know, a great story is true not because it’s factual… it’s about that deeper resonance. It’s the secret sauce for anyone trying to connect in a noisy world. Let’s break down why this idea is so powerful.
Share Image Quote:The core message here is that truth in storytelling isn’t about cold, hard data. It’s about emotional honesty and narrative coherence.
Look, I’ve seen this play out a thousand times. People get so hung up on the features, the specs, the raw data. But that’s not what moves people. What moves them is a story that feels true. A story that’s internally consistent—where the pieces fit together in a way that makes sense. And authentic, meaning it comes from a real place, a genuine belief. It’s the difference between listing a shoe’s materials and telling the story of the runner who trained in them for years. One is a fact. The other? That’s a truth.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Wisdom (385) |
| Topics | authenticity (101), consistency (66), truth (77) |
| Literary Style | minimalist (442), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | provocative (175) |
| Overall Quote Score | 81 (258) |
This is straight from Seth Godin’s 2005 book, All Marketers Are Liars, published in the United States. Sometimes you might see the title as “All Marketers Tell Stories” – that was a later, slightly softened subtitle. But the core provocative idea, that’s all Godin.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Seth Godin (100) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | All Marketers Are Liars: The Power of Telling Authentic Stories in a Low-Trust World (57) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Seth Godin writes and teaches about marketing, leadership, and creative work. After earning an MBA from Stanford, he founded Yoyodyne, sold it to Yahoo!, and later launched ventures like Squidoo and the altMBA. He has authored bestsellers such as Permission Marketing, Purple Cow, Tribes, Linchpin, and This Is Marketing. He posts daily at seths.blog and speaks globally about making work that matters. If you’re starting with the Seth Godin book list, expect insights on trust, storytelling, and shipping creative projects that change culture.
| Official Website | Facebook | X
| Quotation | A great story is true not because it’s factual, but because it’s consistent and authentic |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2005; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9781591841009; Last edition: Portfolio Penguin 2012; Number of pages: 240. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 4: The Truth About Stories, page 27, 2012 edition |
Godin wasn’t advocating for literal lying. The book’s whole point is that in a world saturated with ads, consumers choose to believe stories that align with their existing worldview. Your job isn’t to fact-bomb them, but to tell a story so authentic and consistent it becomes their truth.
So, who can use this? Honestly, almost anyone.
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Theme | Concept (265) |
| Audiences | leaders (2620), marketers (166), public speakers (11), writers (363) |
| Usage Context/Scenario | brand storytelling (4), ethical marketing classes (1), motivational talks (410), writing workshops (9) |
Question: So, is it okay to just make things up?
Answer: Absolutely not. That’s the opposite of the point. Authenticity is key. You’re curating a narrative, not inventing one from whole cloth. The facts should support the story, not contradict it.
Question: Doesn’t this just mean “fake it till you make it”?
Answer: Not quite. “Faking it” is an inauthentic performance. This is about finding the genuine, compelling story within your reality and telling it well. It’s alignment, not fabrication.
Question: What if my product’s story isn’t sexy?
Answer: Every product has a story. Maybe it’s not about glamour, but about dependability, simplicity, or quiet craftsmanship. Find the worldview your customer already holds that your product fits into. That’s your entry point.
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